Bioluminescent fungi {Pleurotus nidiformis} glowing on tree trunk at night, Queensland, Australia
Bioluminescence, Arkive says has mystified scientists throughout history, and many aspects of this biological phenomenon are still unknown. It adds:
- Most bioluminescent species are found in the deep sea, although a small amount of terrestrial organisms also possess the ability to produce light
- Nine out of ten marine species that live at depths below 1,000 metres are able to produce light
- There are thought to be many reasons that organisms produce light such as defence, offense or attracting a mate