Which animals are know for their bright colours or spectacular appearance?
chameleons, poison dart frogs, blue morpho butterfly, scarlet macaw, toucan, lionfish, mandrill
In what ways do you think the characteristics of brightness, shininess, or spectacular features help the animals?
They can help the animals survive through camouflage, or by scaring predators away.
What types of animals do you know that are bioluminescent?
fireflies, jellyfish, squid, some types of worms
Why might it be useful for an organism to be bioluminescent?
for protection, to find prey, to attract a mate
Fireflies can create light, ________ to attract mates on a warm summer night.
trying
dying
flashing
dimming
In the sea, an _______ number of beings can make light.
astonishing
diminishing
around normal
outrageous
When surviving in the sea, there is almost nowhere to hide, so being _______ is very important.
visible
blue
covered in coral
invisible
As you ______, sunlight disappears.
rise
ascend
fall
descend
The ocean becomes a perpetual twilight, blue disappears, the ocean is as black as the night sky. These _____ make light uniquely useful as a weapon or veil.
factors
elements
characteristics
situations
In the ocean's upper _____, where light penetrates, creatures need to blend in to survive.
layers
coral
waters
shelf
Any life form that stands out is in danger of being spotted by _________.
fishermen
mermaids
sharks
predators
Jellyfish and swimming snails are ________, ghostlike creatures, almost impossible to see.
colourful
transparent
white
bioluminescent
But if the aim is to remain invisible, why do some creatures light up when they are touched, or when the water nearby is _________?
still
hot
disturbed
wavy
The "Bahia Bioluminiscente" or "Bio Bay" is home to ________ dinoflagellates that light up when the water moves.
limited amounts
unique
countless
creatures
What is meant by the "burglar alarm" effect?
Organisms produce light, which attracts the predators of their predators. (Enemy of an enemy is a friend.)
