Deep-sea Discovery: Bioluminescence Originated 540 Million Years Ago in Corals and Changed the Course of Animal Evolution

Researchers from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History have discovered that bioluminescence, the ability of organisms to produce light through chemical reactions, may have originated 540 million years ago in deep-sea corals. This revelation suggests that marine invertebrates were the first animals to exhibit this phenomenon, appearing much earlier than previously believed.

Bioluminescence, which has evolved independently at least 94 times in nature, is involved in a range of behaviors such as camouflage, courtship, communication, and hunting. Despite ongoing research into why this ability developed in animals in the first place, scientists remain unsure.

In a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, researchers Andrea Quattrini and Danielle DeLeo along with Catherine McFadden created an evolutionary map of eight-chambered corals. By analyzing data from 185 species and utilizing fossil dating, they found that the common ancestor of eight-chambered corals was likely bioluminescent around 540 million years ago. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the timeline of bioluminescence.

The study shows that bioluminescence has played a crucial role in the success of eight-chambered corals over millions of years. The researchers suggest that it may have been one of the earliest forms of communication on Earth, particularly in deep-sea environments. This new insight highlights its significance as a tool for survival and communication among various species.

This study adds to our understanding of how bioluminescence evolved and its importance in different species’ survival strategies and behaviors. It also emphasizes how much more we need to learn about this fascinating natural phenomenon to fully comprehend its evolutionary significance and potential applications across various fields such as medicine and technology.