Organisms that are bioluminescent include certain fungi and bacteria that emit light continuously. The dinoflagellates, a group of marine algae, produce light only when disturbed. Bioluminescent animals include such organisms as ctenophores, annelid worms, mollusks, insects such as fireflies, and fish. The production of light in bioluminescent organisms results from the conversion of chemical energy to light energy. In fireflies, one type of a group of substances known collectively as luciferin combines with oxygen to form an oxyluciferin in an excited state, which quickly decays, emitting light as it does.
Different organisms produce different bioluminescent substances.
Other animals seem to use luminescence in courtship and mating and to divert predators or attract prey. Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. The Learning Network Inc. All rights reserved. Inc. All Rights Reserved.