Lighting Up The World
By Ashritha Raghavendra
March 30, 2022
What Is Bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is light emitted by a living organism as a product of chemical reactions occurring inside the organism.
Image source: Peakpx
The Glow Recipe
Bioluminescence is a result of luciferin or photoprotein. Photoproteins combine with luciferins, oxygen and often a calcium ion to produce light.
Image source: TIME
Why Shine?
Bioluminescence helps animals hunt, defend against predators, locate mates and perform other significant activities.
Image source: Chemistry World
Some squids secrete a luminous cloud to confuse predators and escape.
Image source: National Geographic
A Squid’s Game
Deep-sea fishes flash to attract prey or show light organs to disguise their form to frighten predators, or simply light the way in the darkness of the ocean.
Image source: New York Times
Light It Up
Dinoflagellates are the most common source of bioluminescence in oceans. They emit light when disturbed with a flash that lasts less than a second.
Image source: TIME
Sparkling Shores
Brittle stars detach body parts to distract predators — making the predator follow the glowing arm, while the rest of the animal crawls away in the dark.
Image source: TED Ed
‘Arm’ed For Defence
Male fireflies flash to attract the females. A female firefly flashes a response which in turn makes the male seek her out for mating.
Image source: National Geographic
Sizzling For Survival