bioluminescence

Environmental experts are warning that plastic pollution in the deep ocean may be interfering with the bioluminescent organisms that live there. Pollution particles could block or mimic the light signals deep sea species rely on for feeding, mating and defence, potentially disrupting entire ecosystems in one of the planet's least explored environments.

Animal bioluminescence dates back at least 540 million years, and the ability to produce light has evolved independently at least 94 times, making it one of evolution's most repeated experiments. Blue-green ocean light can serve multiple purposes, including defense, camouflage and communication between animals. Science communicators are sharing the figure to highlight how often natural selection has converged on glowing light in marine life.