What is bioluminescence and why do organisms glow?
About 76% of deep-sea creatures produce their own light in the pitch-black ocean.
The answer
Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms through a chemical reaction involving a molecule called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. Approximately 76% of deep-sea creatures use this ability for purposes including attracting prey, confusing predators, and communicating with potential mates. The phenomenon is found across diverse groups including jellyfish, anglerfish, fireflies, and certain fungi, having evolved independently at least 40 separate times across the tree of life.
Source: Smithsonian Ocean
- bioluminescence
- deep sea
- marine biology
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