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by Mark Martin
Bacterial bioluminescence is ubiquitous in marine environments, both among free living and mutualistic microbes. Why is this phenotype comparatively rare in terrestrial and freshwater environments (the fascinating Photorhabdus being a notable exception)?
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Mark Martin replies to Nathan Myers:
Interesting question from Nathan Myers. There are a few species of truly marine (as opposed to estuarine insects). The question of why insects are so prevalent on land but rare in the ocean is an interesting one. Here is one overview:
http://thedragonflywoman.com/2012/05/25/marine-insects/
The author presents five solid considerations. Interesting thinking!
As for the prevalence of luminous marine bacteria, and their comparative rarity in terrestrial and freshwater environment continues to vex me!"
And it does!
Best,
MM
Posted by: mark martin | January 15, 2013 at 12:48 PM