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Bioluminescence Trivia

Creatures that glow in the dark have fascinated science and citizens all over the world for centuries! Our Indian River Lagoon is no exception. Test your knowledge of bioluminescent places and things.


Which marine organism is best known for creating bioluminescent displays in estuaries?

A) Jellyfish

B) Dinoflagellates

C) Sea urchins

D) Blue-Green Algae


The answer is B

Dinoflagellates are a group of phytoplankton that flash when agitated. They are single celled organisms that contain chlorophyll and can photosynthesize food; they usually have two flagella which are tail like structures that help propel them through the water. Dino flagellates are responsible for the majority of bioluminescent displays in the Indian River Lagoon.


 

What triggers bioluminescence in many marine organisms?

A) Sunlight

B) Temperature changes

C) Mechanical stimulation

D) Chemical signals

The answer is C

When handled by a predator, many bioluminescent organisms flash by the imparted mechanical stress. But any mechanical stress of sufficient magnitude, such as the forces in waves, surge, or by swimming animals (including us) can also trigger the luminescence. The above photo, taken by Dr. Edith Widder, shows the effect of dropping a dock ladder into water rich with dinoflagellates in Jensen Beach.

 

Which environmental factor is crucial for the occurrence of bioluminescent bays and lagoons?

A) Salinity

B) Temperature

C) Nutrient levels

D) All of the above


The answer is D

Changes in salinity, temperature and nutrient levels such (algae) all play a role in both in occurrence and intensity of bioluminescent displays in estuarine environments.

 

What is the primary purpose of bioluminescence in deep-sea environments?

A) Navigation

B) Mating

C) Defense and predation

D) Photosynthesis


The answer is C

While the functions of bioluminescence are not known for all animals, typically bioluminescence is used to warn or evade predators or to lure or detect prey.

 

Some bioluminescent organisms in the ocean produce red light

A)True

B)False

The answer is A

Most bioluminescent organisms emit blue or green light because, as scientists believe, the shorter wavelength of these colors travel longer distances under water. Red light is relatively rare because it does not travel nearly as far, and some species have evolved to take advantage of this. The most notable example is the deep sea dragon fish which uses red light to detect and sneak up on its prey while remaining virtually invisible.

 

The brightest bioluminescent bay in the world is located in:

A) Australia

B) Puerto Rico

C) Florida

D) The Maldives



The answer is B

Mosquito Bay, located in in Vieques, Puerto Rico is the world's brightest bioluminescent bay according to the Guinness World Records as of 2006, and Fajardo comes in at a close second. While the Maldives and Australia are home to frequently referenced "must see" glowing destinations like Mudhdhoo Island and Jervis Bay, did you know that our Indian River Lagoon pops up consistently across hundreds of travel sites in the top 10 to 15 most bioluminescent places in the world? The most reliable displays typically occur in Brevard County.

 

What kind of light emission is produced by bioluminescent organisms in the ocean?

A) Incandescent

B) Fluorescent

C) Phosphorescent

D) Cold light


The answer is D

Bioluminescence is and example of cold light. Unlike all other types of light, cold light is produced only through chemical reactions that neither require or produce heat.

 

Which deep-sea cephalopod is known for its spectacular bioluminescent displays?

A) Giant squid

B) Vampire squid

C) Blue-ringed octopus

D) Cuttlefish


The answer is B

Despite its scary name, the Vampire Squid is not scary and its not even a squid. This gentle scavenger is the only living member of the Vampyroteuthidae, a unique family of cephalopods. About the size of a football, the Vampire Squid, instead of producing ink, emits a sticky mucus from the tips of its tentacles that glows for up to 10 minutes, enough time to escape a predator.

 

Which marine animal uses bioluminescence to lure its prey with a glowing "fishing lure"?

A) Lantern Fish

B) Anglerfish

C) Giant Squid

D) Viperfish

The answer is B

On the other hand, despite its innocuous name, the Anglerfish is one of the scariest looking creatures in the ocean. With enormous mouths full of super sharp teeth, and a large heads, females can grow to over 100 pounds. These deep sea, carnivorous predators sport a dorsal fin that looks very like a fishing lure and contains bioluminescent flesh that draws in prey.


 

There are no bioluminescent species native to fresh water.

A) True

B) False

The answer is Mostly A

There is one bioluminescent organism in the world that lives in freshwater. Latia neritoides is a type snail found only in New Zealand that emits glowing green slime when bothered. Scientists believe that the absence of bioluminescent organisms in freshwater environments is because these bodies are not nearly as old as the ocean and since evolution is a slow process, they do not feature the biodiversity found in ocean and estuarine environments.



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