Hello Steemit Friends! There are a beaches way down in the Maldives that looks like something out of a science-fiction fairytale. It’s gorgeous, amazing and wonferful to see.
What makes bioluminescent plankton glow?
Scientists have only recently discovered that this type of plankton glows when they are moved because of stress - ironic when you consider how relaxing the sight of the shimmering waves are in the dark night. Bioluminescence is used as a defence mechanism to draw predators towards the creature trying to eat the plankton. The tiny flashes of light also disorientate and surprise the predator.
These tiny organisms produce light using a chemical called luciferin. The process of creating a bioluminescent light, which is simply light produced within a living creature, differs between organisms. Some need a particular food or another creature for the effect to happen. But this type of plankton, called dinoflagellates, produce luciferin on their own.
Where you can see it also than Maldives?
Read more here: http://www.kuoni.co.uk/maldives/bioluminescent-plankton