The wonder of bioluminescence

Writer: Dr Anina Lee

Nature often devises surprising solutions for hunting food, warning predators away, and attracting mates, but one of the most magical-looking of these solutions might be bioluminescence – biochemical light created by a living creature.

Bioluminescence in nature almost defies belief. It's no wonder that early explorers thought bioluminescent phytoplankton were "sparks" in the water. And it’s not just these miniscule creatures that give off light. The rest of the natural world is filled with glow-in-the-dark bodies that look like something out of science fiction. Bioluminescence is a fascinating wonder that continues to dazzle and inspire.

Bioluminescent jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca glows when it is disturbed. It also can create a luminous mucus.

PHOTO: David Fleetham/Corbis

What about fireflies?

A firefly controls the beginning and end of the chemical reaction, and thus the start and stop of its light emission, by adding oxygen to the other chemicals needed to produce light. This happens in the insect's light organ. When oxygen is available, the light organ lights up, and when it is not available, the light goes out.

In many parts of the world there are more than one species of firefly occupying the same habitat. This is where the flash pattern is important so that the males and females of the same species can recognise each other. In other words, they speak the same language.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 8)