Venomous box jellyfish inhabit the waters near Table Mountain in South Africa, possessing some of the deadliest toxins on the planet.
In the vast ocean, one creature stands out for its uniqueness and resilience - the jellyfish. These aquatic wonders, composed of about 95% water, are known for their delicate structure and remarkable abilities.
Jellyfish move with an energy-efficient, pulsing swim motion, navigating ocean currents with minimal effort. This efficient propulsion makes them a sight to behold as they gracefully glide through the water.
One of the most intriguing aspects of jellyfish is their bioluminescence. Many species can produce light through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. When oxygen interacts with these substances, cold light is emitted, serving multiple functions such as attracting prey, deterring predators, and even distracting larger predators from their own predators.
The stinging cells of a jellyfish, known as cnidocytes, contain organelles called nematocysts. These harpoons can penetrate skin upon activation, making jellyfish stings one of the fastest processes in biology, lasting just 700 nanoseconds. Even after a jellyfish is dead or its tentacle is detached, nematocysts can still sting, making handling these creatures with care essential.
Jellyfish have survived every mass extinction, existing for over 600 million years. Their resilience is evident in the famous Jellyfish Lake in Palau, where golden jellies farm algae and follow the sun during the day. At night, they fertilize their algae 'crop'. However, recent studies reveal that Jellyfish Lake is running out of jellyfish, raising concerns about their long-term survival.
Researchers like Lucas Brotz, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and Sean Colin, an ecologist at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, are working to understand jellyfish behaviour and their impact on ecosystems. In fact, the use of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) found in the crystal jellyfish has become a valuable tool for scientists studying various biological processes.
However, not all jellyfish are harmless. Some, such as the box jellyfish of northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific, can deliver lethal stings. Eating a squid that didn't fully digest a jelly can also result in a jelly sting, serving as a reminder of their potentially dangerous nature.
Despite their delicate appearance, jellyfish are fascinating creatures with a host of "superpowers". Their high water content, efficient movement, and bioluminescent properties make them a captivating subject for study and observation. As we continue to learn more about these aquatic wonders, our understanding of life in the ocean deepens, offering new insights into the mysteries of the sea.
[1] Bioluminescent jellyfish: A natural wonder [2] The bioluminescence of jellyfish [3] The evolution of bioluminescence in jellyfish [4] Jellyfish sting: Fast and furious [5] Jellyfish: Survivors of the deep sea
- The bioluminescent property of jellyfish, such as the ability to produce cold light through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase, makes them a captivating natural wonder.
- The bioluminescence of jellyfish serves multiple functions, including attracting prey, deterring predators, and even distracting larger predators from their own predators, making them a subject of fascination for scientists and observers alike.
- The evolution of bioluminescence in jellyfish is a topic of current interest among scientists, who are exploring the genetic and physiological mechanisms that allow these creatures to emit light and the potential adaptive advantages it offers.
- The stinging cells of a jellyfish, known as cnidocytes, can deliver a powerful sting in just 700 nanoseconds, making handling these creatures with care essential and serving as a reminder of their potentially dangerous nature.
- Jellyfish, with their remarkable ability to survive every mass extinction and exist for over 600 million years, are survivors of the deep sea and a testament to the resilience of life in the ocean.
