October 10, 2012
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/10/pictures/121009-glowing-bioluminescence-oceans-animals/
Summary:
At the bottom of the Bahamas, the shrimp Parapandalus has been found to give off a cloud of blue. Additionally, other species in the same area gave off bioluminescent light such as sea cucumbers, sea anemones, bamboo corals, and a new species of hermit crab. Scientist speculate that the light is given off either to confuse predators, color code food, or maybe as a way to communicate with each other. Usually, animals would use bioluminescence on their undersides to match the light coming from the surface. However, almost no light reaches the bottom, making it rare to find species with bioluminescence there. Additionally, scientist on this trip must examine other regions in order to make their findings on this trip valid.
Connection:
In our first unit on Ecology, we discussed limiting factors for a population as well as carrying capacity. At the bottom of the Bahamas, only a select few species can live there because of factors such as temperature, food, and pressure. Additionally, for species already there, their carrying capacity is greatly influenced by the amount of food available to them. We had defined Ecology as the scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment. It is possible that the bioluminescence was a form of communication, which falls under interactions among organisms.
How do these shrimp produce bioluminescent light?
ReplyDeletewhat zone of the sea are these shrimp found?
ReplyDeleteIt is not clear exactly how these shrimp produce bioluminescent light, but generally speaking, bioluminescent organisms produce their light as a product in a chemical reaction. In other cases, organisms will use an enzyme called luciferase and a pigment called luciferin. Luciferin will react with oxygen to produce light, and luciferase will speed up that process.
ReplyDeleteThese shrimps are found at the sea floor, otherwise known as the benthic zone. Almost no sunlight from the surface reaches this part of the sea.