Mmastodon ScienceBiology first seen 5 h ago, last 3 h ago, peak #6

Bioluminescence evolved independently at least 94 times

Original: Bioluminescence is one of evolution's most repeated experiments. Animal bioluminescence dates back at least 540 million

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.

Why now: People are fascinated by the scale of convergent evolution that produced glowing animals across hundreds of millions of years.

bioluminescenceevolutionmarine animals

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Evidence

• Bioluminescence is one of evolution's most repeated experiments. Animal bioluminescence dates back at least 540 million years, while the ability to produce light has evolved independently at least 94 times. Blue-green ocean light can serve defense, camouflage, communication and… · psyll · 5

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