Green bomber worms (Swima spp.) have specialized organs that explode with a burst of green bioluminescence. This impressive display is likely used to startle predators while the animal makes a speedy getaway. They live just above the seafloor and are vigorous swimmers, able to maneuver both backwards and forwards.
Each worm carries up to eight “bombs.” If they lose one, they can grow it back. The “bombs” may have been gills that evolutionarily transformed over time. Although these worms lack eyes, they have developed a novel bioluminescent defense mechanism. MBARI research has shown that approximately three quarters of the animals living in the dark ocean depths are capable of producing bioluminescence.
Learn more about these amazing deep-sea worms:
www.mbari.org/...
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Video editor: Ted Blanco
Writer: Kyra Schlining
Production team: Nancy Barr, Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Heidi Cullen
00:10 Image courtesy of Karen Osborn (Smithsonian Museum of Natural History)
Publication citations: Osborn, K. J., S. H. D. Haddock, & G. W. Rouse. (2011). Swima (Annelida, Acrocirridae), holopelagic worms from the deep Pacific. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 163, 663-678. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.2011.00727.x. PDF.
Osborn, K. J., S. H. D. Haddock. F. Pleijel. L. P. Madin. G. W. Rouse. (2009) Deep-sea, swimming worms with luminescent “bombs”. Science. Vol. 325 No. 5943. August 21 2009. [Subscription required to view article on line]
21 окт 2024
