BIOLUMINESCENCE
Have you ever wondered how some animals are able to glow in the dark? Are you interested in understanding why animals would want to glow? Well then, this article is perfect for you! What is bioluminescence? Living organisms that naturally emit light are called bioluminescent. But what does this mean?
Means:
“ living”
How does bioluminescence work? In most organisms bioluminescence is created because of chemical reactions that occur in their cells. Some have special parts of their body where tiny bacteria live and produce light for them!
What creatures can glow?
Bio-luminescence
Organisms that can be bioluminescent include: fungi, marine animals, some insects, and a few bacteria. They are all able to carry out this incredible chemistry and glow!
Means:“ light”
Secret:( Scientists are really just calling them‘ living light’ beings)
Bioluminescent millipede!
Bioluminescent bacteria!
Bioluminescent Fungi!
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Why would a creature want to glow in the dark? Some organisms use bioluminescence to attract prey. Angler fish are particularly well known for this. They house bioluminescent bacteria in their bulbs and use the light to attract curious fish!
There are more than 200 species of anglerfish, but the most well known species is the Black Seadevil Anglerfish – the star of the show. Here are some Highlights:
Size: Maximum total length of 30cm
Lifespan: around 23 years
Habitat: Tropical parts of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans at depths between 100 and 4,500 meters
Bioluminescence may also help some animals blend in with their surroundings. For example, the firefly squid which uses bioluminescence to blend in with stars in the night sky to become invisible to predators looking up from below!
Size: Maximum total length of 30cm
Lifespan: 1 year
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical oceans all over the world – usually at depths of around 600 to 900 meters.
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