  
Light-Producing Sea Dwellers
 Many undersea
creatures have systems, like fireflies, through which they
can produce light. Generally, they use this ability in order
to confuse or scare their enemies. Comb jellies are delicate
creatures just like jellyfish and sea anemones. They generally
feed on microscopic plants and tiny sea animals. Some catch
their prey using their sticky tentacles which move in the
water like fishing lines. Other varieties have very wide mouths
that can swallow many creatures, including other comb jellies.
Comb jellies have tiny hairs on their bodies which they use
to move forward in the water. In addition, nearly all comb
jellies have special light-producing cells along the seam-like
ridges of their bodies. Some species have their own interesting
characteristics. For example, the red comb jelly flashes when
it is touched. At the same time it pours sparkling luminous
particles into the water as a protective method to repel its
enemies.1
Creatures like starfish, sea urchins, and featherstars are
called "echinoderms." Most of the surface of their
skins is covered with sharp spikes which they use for self-defense.
They live on the seashore among coral reefs and on the sea
bed. These creatures produce their own light to protect themselves
from their enemies. They may have luminous arms or spines
or be able to pour clouds of light into the water when attacked
by a predator.
We can cite a starfish species as another example of creatures
that produce light for self-defense. This starfish lives 1,000
meters (3,280 feet) below the surface of the sea. The ends
of its arms gleam with a greenish-blue light. With this luminous
warning, it tells potential predators that it has a bad taste.
The brittlestar, another luminous marine animal, flashes brightly
when attacked and may throw off the tip of one of its arms
to send the predator away. This is an important defense tactic.
As the tip continues to flash, it attracts the predator, thus
giving the brittlestar a chance to make a getaway.2
As seen above, the light-producing mechanisms of creatures,
too, are examples of the magnificence in Allah's creation.
Allah is the Originator, the Incomparable.
|
