Bioluminescence: A Key Survival Strategy for Marine Organisms, New Research Reveals

Bioluminescence is common in the animal kingdom, used for various purposes such as luring prey and camouflaging in the deep sea. 

Bioluminescence is a fascinating phenomenon that has a variety of uses in the animal kingdom, especially in marine environments. It is employed by creatures to attract prey, startle predators, and even blend in with the surrounding light.

Insights from Zoologist Andrea Quattrini

According to Andrea Quattrini, a zoologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, there are numerous organisms in the deep sea that can produce their own light, challenging the notion that the deep sea is always light-limited.

The Dazzling Glow of Octocorallia

One of the fascinating examples of bioluminescence is found in Octocorallia, also known as octocorals. This class encompasses over 3,000 Anthozoa species, including sea fans, sea pens, and soft corals. These sessile animals exhibit a prevalent bioluminescent glow, which can be attributed to their stationary nature.

New Discoveries in Bioluminescence

Recent research by Dr. Quattrini and her colleagues has shed light on the origins of bioluminescence. Their latest study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, indicates that bioluminescence emerged approximately 540 million years ago. This finding challenges the previous understanding, which suggested its emergence in small marine crustaceans 267 million years ago.

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