Researchers
have figured out why some mushrooms are bioluminescent after studying a variety
of mushroom which grows among decaying leaves underneath young palm trees in
Brazil, known as "flor de coco."
According to the researchers, the big yellow mushroom attracts insects and
other creatures using its bioluminescence, which then spread its spores to
different areas of the forest.
"The answer appears to be that fungi make
light so they are noticed by insects who can help the fungus colonize new
habitats," said biochemist Cassius Stevani of Brazil's Instituto de
Química-Universidade de São Paulo.
Researchers said the study explains why fungi
make light, first asked by Aristotle over 2,000 years ago.
Bioluminescence has independently evolved in
many different life forms, including fungi, insects and fish, another
researcher added.
"Most of these make light in their own
way, that is, with biochemistry that is unique to each organism," said Jay
Dunlap, a geneticist and molecular biologist at Dartmouth College's Geisel
School of Medicine in the press release.
Of the total 100,000 known species of fungus,
71 are bioluminescent and "flor de coco" is one of the biggest and
brightest of them.
"Because it has evolved so many times in so many different
organisms, each with their own biology, studying bioluminescence gives one a
window on living things in all their wonderful diversity, and it sends you off
to questions that you did not know existed," added Dunlap.Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.
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