Bioluminesscence
Fireflies sparking on a summer's evening. Jellyfish glowing in night waters. These are examples of bioluminescence - light emitted by living organisms. Unlike incandescent light, which is caused by heat, the light produced by luminous animals and plants results from a biochemical reaction to oxygen.
Among the thousands of species of bioluminescent marine creatures, the majority are planktonic organisms. Frequently found in immense groups, these creatures glow in the wake of swimming fish or passing …
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…observed in many species indicate that the light serves a communication or courtship purpose. The light may reveal food or lure prey. Creatures with poorly developed or nonexistent eyes may use the light to blind or startle predators.
In the past, bioluminescence has caused superstition, awe, and even fear. Today, it remains one of nature's most fascinating phenomena.
*Bioluminescence was once confused with phosphorescence in the belief that it was caused by the element phosphorus.
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