Deep-Sea Corals Originated Light Production: Bioluminescence Dated Back to 540 Million Years
A groundbreaking study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B reveals that deep-sea corals were the pioneers of bioluminescence, possessing the ability to glow in the dark as early as 540 million years ago. This discovery significantly advances our understanding of the origins of animal communication and the diversity of life in the deep sea.
Marine creatures employ bioluminescence for a variety of purposes, including deterring predators, attracting prey, and signaling to potential mates. The study’s findings indicate that bioluminescence evolved around the time of the Cambrian explosion, a pivotal period in Earth’s history that witnessed the rapid diversification of life.
“Light signaling is one of the earliest forms of communication that we know of — it’s very important in deep waters,” said Andrea Quattrini, a co-author of the study. “For some species, the whole body glows — for others, only parts of their branches will glow.”
To determine the timeline of bioluminescence, researchers utilized genetic data from 185 luminous coral species to construct a detailed evolutionary tree. Their analysis revealed that the common ancestor of all soft corals today lived 540 million years ago and likely possessed bioluminescence. This date is approximately 270 million years earlier than the previously earliest known example of bioluminescence in a glowing prehistoric shrimp.
The study’s findings provide crucial insights into the evolution of animal communication and the remarkable diversity of life in the deep sea. The ability of deep-sea corals to produce light millions of years ago highlights the profound adaptations that have enabled marine organisms to thrive in the depths of the ocean.
