The Evolutionary Status of Bioluminescence

Science Update from ICR · Nov 13, 2025

There is nothing so beautiful (and sometimes breathtaking) than observing creatures designed with the ability to undergo fluorescence, the biological emission of light (also called bioluminescence).1 Five scientists defined bioluminescence as “the chemical reaction between a substrate (luciferin) and an enzyme (luciferase) resulting in light emission in a living organism.”2 What was the origin of such an am... More...