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Glowing in the Dark
In order to survive in this sunless world, 90 percent of all deep-sea animals have the ability to generate their own light, called bioluminescence. Bioluminescent light is produced by chemical reactions in living things. Bioluminescence helps animals attract a mate, find food, and avoid predators. Many fish hide by matching the glow of the dim light around them. Other animals use bright flashes to distract predators. Some squirt out clouds of glowing particles to divert predators while they sneak away. Using light for a variety of purposes, the animals of the deep create a dazzling light show that resembles a starry night sky.
OLOGY CARD 181
Series: Place
deep sea
Far beneath the ocean's surface is a mysterious world of cold temperatures, intense pressure, and almost total darkness. The deep sea remains largely unexplored and unknown to humans. Yet billions of creatures live in this vast, dark void. Many of these animals have bizarre adaptations that help them hunt for the limited food and survive in extreme conditions.
Image credits: main image, AMNH/Sean Murtha.