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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 percent of the 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.

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

Jump to Section Lessons Fact Sheets Exploration Notes Ocean Facts Deep-sea Dialogues Expeditions Images and Videos

Lessons

These selected ocean exploration lessons were developed by educators and scientists to demonstrate key bioluminescence concepts. Lessons support the Next Generation Science Standards and the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts. (Note: The links provided in lessons are verified at the time of publication, but over time, may change or become obsolete.)

The oblique-banded snapper or gindai (Pristipomoides zonatus) lives in the twilight, or mesophotic, zone where only dim blue light penetrates. The upper picture was taken with the lights of a submersible illuminating the fish at 935 feet (285 meters) during an Okeanos Explorer dive at Farallon de Medilla, Mariana Islands; bright gold bars are seen on the body. The lower photograph was taken at St. Rogatien Bank of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument at 625 feet (190 meters) with the lights of the submersible turned off; the color pattern is still easily seen, but the gold bars appear black at ambient light levels.
Student Investigation: Light and Color in the Deep Ocean

Grade Level: 6-8
Focus: Physical Science/Wave Properties

Students explore the phenomenon of light and color in the ocean through sensemaking. This process includes investigating how light interacts with different materials, making connections between the observed phenomenon and what happens to light as it passes through the ocean.
The deep-sea pandalid shrimp Heterocarpus ensifer and a photo of the same animal "vomiting" light from glands located near its mouth.
Student Investigation: Bioluminescence - An Adaptation for Deep-sea Survival

Grade Level: 6-8
Focus: Life Science/Adaptations

Students explore the phenomenon of bioluminescence in deep-sea organisms and theorize about how it might help them to survive.

Additional Bioluminescence Resources

Fact Sheets
Exploration Notes - Field Stories
Ocean Facts

These items are only a selection of the educational materials highlighting bioluminescence on our website.

For more lessons and background information explore the Deep Ocean Education Project Website.

Searching for something? Email us: oceanexeducation@noaa.gov