What is an Example of Bioluminescence in Animals?

Bioluminescence is rare on land but common in the sea. Here are some of the organisms that exhibit bioluminescence:

• Fireflies: All fireflies belong to a group of insects called beetles. The luciferin-luciferase reaction occurs in a light-producing organ in their abdomen. Adult fireflies use bioluminescence to find mates. Males and females of the same species show a special flash pattern to communicate before mating. Conversely, firefly larvae use their light to warn predators not to eat them.
• Jellyfish: More than half of jellyfish species can bioluminesce to scare away predators. Some even release glowing mucus to confuse their attackers. Aequorea victoria, also known as the crystal jelly, exhibits a green glow around its rim due to the presence of green fluorescent protein (GFP).
• Anglerfish: Anglerfish live in the deep ocean where sunlight cannot reach. They have a long appendage on their head called the esca, which contains bioluminescent bacteria. The esca acts as a glowing lure for small fishes. Sea creatures are attracted to this dangling esca and get devoured by the anglerfish.
• Dinoflagellates: The glowing neon blue light in the ocean waters and shores are caused by dinoflagellates. Dinoflagellates are single-celled phytoplanktons that grow in warm seawaters. They normally luminesce at night and when disturbed. These algae defend themselves by flashing to startle and scare off their predators. The bioluminescence might also attract larger predators to eat their own attackers, acting like a burglar alarm that alerts the police to catch a robber at someone’s house.
• Dragonfish: Deep-sea dragonfish are unique because they can make and see red light. They live in the bathyal zone, where hardly any sunlight reaches, making it really dark. With their red bioluminescence, they can find prey and approach without being seen, as they can see red light that other sea creatures cannot.
• Fungi: Some fungi are also capable of producing light. Over 70 species of fungus can bioluminesce. Unlike other bioluminescent creatures, they glow all the time. The brightest glowing fungi are mostly found in tropical areas. Fungi might glow to scare away predators or to attract insects that spread their spores. Example: Jack-o-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olearius).

Bioluminescence is the ability to produce light by some organisms. The example of bioluminescence in animals includes jellyfish, squid, and phytoplankton. Bioluminescence is created through a chemical reaction involving luciferins and an enzyme called luciferase, along with oxygen. When these substances combine, light is emitted. Bioluminescence serves different purposes, such as attracting mates, luring prey, or scaring off predators. In this article, we will look into the meaning of Bioluminescence, examples, mechanisms, and applications of Bioluminescence.