Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence, or the ability of an organism to create light, is one of nature’s most amazing phenomena, seemingly drawn more from science fiction than science and natural history. It has been estimated that 90% of animals living in the pelagic zone (water column) are bioluminescent. However, information on bioluminescence in the deep-sea benthos (organisms that live on the ocean bottom) is sparse.

View the sections below to further explore ocean exploration education resources on bioluminescence.