Youtor
Why Do Fireflies Glow How Do Fireflies Glow Bioluminescence
>> YOUR LINK HERE: ___ http://youtube.com/watch?v=SJgV81A3694
Ahoy, let’s think! Today we answer the question “why do fireflies glow?” • Fireflies or lightning bugs, despite their name, are actually not flies but soft bodied beetles. • Part of the Lampyridae (lamb-PIER-ri-dee) family, their name comes from the Greek word lampien which means to shine. A very fitting name as these beetles are very much known for the light they emit from their bodies. • But why and how exactly do they do this? Inside a fireflies body, they have a specialized light emitting organ typically located in their lower abdomen. • Within this organ, a chemical reaction called bioluminescence occurs. A special bioluminescence enzyme luciferase acts on a compound called luciferin. Mix in some magnesium, ATP, and oxygen and the insect is able to produce a light from its body. Fortunately for fireflies, they produce a “cold light” which doesn’t produce a lot of heat unlike a light bulb that does. • Like almost all animals and insects, fireflies don’t just glow for the fun of it. There are a few reasons why they emit their light. As larvae, it is used as a defense mechanism to make themselves unappetizing to others. • Would you want to eat a vegetable that was glowing? Probably not. • As they become adults, fireflies can also use their light to identify other species as well as to attract a mate. It is believed that female fireflies choose a mate based on a males flash pattern and intensity. Supposedly the flashier you are, the more attractive you will be. • Although their name implies some type of light, not all fireflies can glow. These are commonly species that are active during the day. Instead of using light to attract mates, they instead release pheromones. • Although, it may seem strange to see an animal or insect glowing, there are a few others that can also produce light. Some of the more well known ones are glow worms and the anglerfish as well as bio-luminescent fungi. You probably would want to avoid eating any of those as well. • That took some thinking! If you have any questions you would like answered leave a comment below! • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - • Subscribe to Thinking Captain on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ThinkingCaptain • We have a TON of interesting educational content like these videos about animals! • https://bit.ly/ThinkingCaptainAnimals • Or maybe you just want to learn about Natural Disasters!? https://bit.ly/ThinkingCaptainNatural... • Or maybe you are just brand new and want to watch all the cool stuff? • https://bit.ly/ThinkingCaptainNew
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