Bioluminescence is the result of light emitted by living organisms. This is caused by a chemical reaction. This reaction occurs in smaller living organisms such as fireflies, glow worms and planktons. The same reaction can also be seen in a phenomenon called ‘sea sparkles’. Bioluminescence serves various purposes including warning about the predators, luring or detecting prey or communicating with each other. It is essential for the survival of several species. This phenomenon also gives off a mystical vibe.
Sea Sparkles
To begin with, Sea Sparkles is a type of phenomenon that occurs in water washing on the shore of some beaches. It usually lights up in neon blue, green or sometimes even red colour. The water contains a special type of bacteria and algae which light up the beaches when regular movement of water occurs. Jervis Bay in Australia is well known for dolphins and humpback whales and it is also one of the best places in Australia to see sea sparkles.
However alluring these sea-sparkles may be, the algae is unsafe for animals and humans to touch. They can most likely cause some skin infections and other unpleasant side effects but some of them are even fatal. Sea Sparkles can also be seen in several other beaches around the world. Toyama Bay in Japan, Matsu Islands in Taiwan and Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico are some of the most significant because of the beautiful effects and colour spectrums of bioluminescence that are caused over there.
Fireflies
Bioluminescence can also be seen in many insects and Fireflies are a perfect example. They are called fireflies as they light up and emit light. Fireflies can be found in great numbers in Mt Glorious located in Australia, giving it a surreal feel. When seen from a distance, it is hard to imagine what lights up the mountain. These fireflies usually emit yellow, green or pale red colours. This bioluminescence is caused when luciferin- a compound in the fireflies’ abdomen- comes in contact with air. This reaction is only seen when it is night time as it lightens up the area. In day time it would be hard to see as it is bright around anyways.
Fireflies are safe to hold and don’t sting or bite, however, you need to be careful as they are likely to die if you keep them for long. Fireflies give off a mystical vibe while not being harmful to humans. Others places where fireflies bring on their magical effect are Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park in Malaysia, Sanctuary of the the Fireflies in Mexico, Boone in North Carolina, etc.
Glow Worms
Glow worms are yet another bunch of interesting glowy creatures. They are in fact beetles and are slightly similar to fireflies. They are seen in Waitomo Caves located in the North Island of New Zealand which is 3 hours away from Auckland. Glow worms crawl on the walls of caves. The females have the compound luciferin that glows when in contact with air. Unlike fireflies, glow worms should not be touched as it causes them to turn off their light. It would take a long time for the light to turn back on. Glow worms make walking into a cave look like you’re walking into a mini galaxy. These beetles can also be found in many other places around the world with their most common occurrence being in parts of Europe and Asia.
From microscopic fungi to sharks, bioluminescence is a worldwide natural phenomenon although most bioluminescent organisms are found in the ocean, where they provide almost all the light in the benthic (deep-sea) environment. Millipedes, centipedes, jellyfish, squids, sea pens and numerous other sea creatures use bioluminescence as a daily form of survival. Bioluminescent organisms live throughout the water columns of the world, from the water surface to the fathomless seafloor, from near the coast to the open ocean, they are everywhere.
Bioluminescence is a mind-boggling phenomenon and looks stunning when seen at close quarters. Without a doubt, it is one of the most mystical things that lights up the darkness- when you are least expecting.
Writer : Akshar
Grade : 10 (Year 2024)
Place : Sydney, Australia
