The Enchanted Reef

“The prerequisite for knowledge is curiosity”

Jacques Cousteau French marine biologist 1910-1997

Kaluoka´hina The Enchanted Reef

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 2 TEACHER’S GUIDE

the enchanted Reef

CONTENTS

Introduction ...... 5 Coral Reefs – colorful worlds underwater ...... 7 When the moon makes the corals bloom. . . 10 The ocean’s breathing ...... 12 “Black smokers” - sea mountains and volcanoes ...... 14 The jungle in the sea ...... 16 Fireworks of color in the eternal darkness . . 18 Bibliography ...... 20

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 3 T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 4 INTRODUCTION

Jake and Shorty, the heroes of our ﬁlm

The Teacher’s Guide

Kaluoka’hina, the Enchanted Reef is the ﬁrst “family entertainment” feature ﬁlm produced originally for 360o dome projection cinemas. The teacher’s guide contains exciting background information about themes such as coral reefs, volcanism, kelp forests, and bioluminescence, as well as about the interplay between marine fauna and planetary constellations. This companion booklet serves as an info source for all who are interested in these topics, but it may also be used to acquaint students with themes that appear in the movie. Nonetheless, the teacher’s guide stands by itself as an educa- tional resource independent from the movie.

The Story of the Movie “Kaluoka’hina – The Enchanted Reef”

The vastness of our planet’s oceans guards unimaginable secrets. One of its most precious is “Kaluoka’hina”, the enchanted reef whose magic protects it against humans ﬁnding it. Kaluoka’hina’s colorful inhabitants have thus always lived in peace... until the volcano erupts, and the spell is broken. Now it’s up to the young sawﬁsh Jake and his paranoid pal Shorty to restore the magic of Kaluoka’hina. Their only lead: the ancient legend that tells of touching the moon…

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 5

CORAL REEFS – COLORFUL WORLDS UNDERWATER

This chapter oﬀers the reader basic knowledge about corals, their lifecycles, nutrition, in- cidence, and particularities, as well their ecological endangerment and their signiﬁcance to people.

ne of the main characters in incidentally pass by. These “meat meals” Did you know? “Kaluoka’hina, the Enchanted have, however, only a small part in the O Coral reefs have existed for more Reef” is the coral reef itself – a fascinat- coral’s menu. than 150 million years on the “blue ing and multicolored world that Jake and Their main nutritional source is some- planet.” In comparison, Homo Sapi- Shorty call “home.” A coral reef is an en- thing else: namely microscopically small ens first appeared on the world stage tire and individual cosmos full of amaz- plants or algae. Corals and alga have around 120,000 years ago. ing mysteries and exciting questions. found a clever solution to provide each other with food: millions of algae live Are corals actually plants or inside each coral. Similar to all other animals? plants, algae use the energy of the sun Corals are neither plants nor stones; to feed themselves. Algae, during the they are close relatives of jellyfish, and transformation of solar energy into food belong therefore to the phylum (ani- (photosynthesis), produce, among oth- mal branch) of the coelenterate (hollow ers, sugar and oxygen, which the corals animals). Each single coral consists of use. The sugar is taken up by the corals as hundreds, sometimes thousands, of tiny food, and the oxygen (just like humans animals, or “polyps.” do), is used for breathing. As the corals There are two reasons why corals are breathe, they produce carbon dioxide, categorized as animals: even though pol- which, in turn, is used by the alga for yps don’t have something like a brain, their photosynthesis. they do, as opposed to all plants, have On top of that, algae are also respon- a nerve network. And, also different to sible for giving plants, which produce their food them- corals their bright selves, corals are forced to search for food and beautiful colors. sources in their environment. In turn, corals offer their bodies as hous- Do corals have a particular way ing and a hideout for Cut through a to take in food? algae against hungry coral-polyp Corals are meat-eaters and have poison- enemies – a real practical alliance. Such ous tentacles, which they use to capture an alliance between two living beings in small living beings (plankton) that co- nature is referred to as “symbiosis.”

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 7 Can corals live everywhere in Do all reefs house so many the ocean? different kinds of animals?

Corals are very delicate animals and re- Coral reefs count as one of the most quire very specific environmental condi- biodiverse (species-rich) ecosystems in tions. our planet. They are only surpassed in biodiversity by tropical rainforests. It is not uncommon therefore to refer to coral reefs as “rainforests of the seas,” since corals alone count for over 40,000 different kinds of species. Moreover, coral reefs are like the “land of milk and honey” for almost all ocean inhabitants, as they offer immense food resources and an ideal living space, offer- ing in fact housing to 25% of all ocean inhabitants (almost all kinds of fish, crustaceans, sea grass, reptiles, bacteria To feel really well, corals need warm, and fungi), who find their home in coral flat, and clear water. They like tempera- reefs. tures between 18°C and 29°C, and love What do coral reefs offer sunlight. Corals find these requisites mankind? mostly in flat, coastal waters. That’s why coral reefs are only found in the immedi- Human beings have attributed cor- ate proximity of coasts, and in tropical als with healing and protection powers regions, like the Caribbean, the Indian ever since time immemorial. Already in Ocean, the Pacific and the Red Sea. ancient Egypt were corals used as grave ornaments, to protect the dead from evil How big are spirits. In the middle ages, corals were coral reefs actually? used as all-healing medicines for various Coral reefs can reach immense sizes: the illnesses. Even today, corals play an im- “Great Barrier Reef,” found near the east coast of Australia is the largest coral reef in the world. The reef, which can actually be seen from outer space, has a length of over 2023 kilometers and covers an area of 300,000 square kilometers. The enormous Great Barrier Reef offers more than 1,500 different kinds of animals a home. But only 0.2% of the world’s total sea expanse is taken up by coral reefs, which consists of an area of 600,000 square kilometers. In compari- A satellite photo of the Great son: Germany has a total area of Barrier Reef in Australia 357,022 square kilometers.

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 8 portant role in the production of diverse riorates reefs’ conditions increasingly. A medicaments. For example, AZT, which main problem is human sewage, which is is a medication used in HIV-treatment, carried by rivers into the sea. This sewage is made up of a chemical substance that’s doesn’t only carry harmful substances, entirely gained from a specific coral. but also promotes the growth of algae Of course do human beings also use and seaweed. Algae and seaweed are far corals as food sources. For example, in tougher and resistant than corals, and South-East Asia, coral reef fishery cov- can overgrow them, causing corals to ers 25% of the protein requirement of perish. the entire coastal population. On top of The sedimentation of slime carried by that, spread out coastal coral reefs offer rivers, coral reef over-fishing, and world- a natural protection against approaching wide climate change are also major threats storms. for the highly sensitive animals. The cli- matic phenomenon of water-warming Do human beings endanger which occurs every four to six years, coral reefs? caused by El Niño, brings about the so- Coral reefs are extremely sensible eco- called “coral bleaching.” This coral bleach- systems. Mankind’s intervention dete- ing, in turn, leads many corals to die.

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 9 WHEN THE MOON MAKES THE CORALS BLOOM

This chapter oﬀers the reader basic knowledge about the fascinating way in which corals reproduce, the so-called “coral bloom,” and explains the interplay of diﬀerent factors which cause the corals to bloom.

aluoka’hina is a peaceful world corals simultaneously release their sperm Kwhere its colorful inhabitants live and egg cells is called “coral blooming.” in harmony with nature – a nature with This unique display was first discovered a breathtaking beauty. One of the most in 1981 by Australian marine biologists: captivating displays that the reef offers within a few seconds and only during a year after year is the both multicolored very specific time of the year, corals re- and spectacular coral bloom. lease millions of tiny egg cells and sperm, which sparkle and ascend slowly to the Are there both water’s surface like Champagne bubbles. male and female corals? When a sperm cell and an egg cell unite, Certainly, since corals are animals. And an embryo forms within 24 hours. The just like with all animals, corals are either baby coral sinks after about five days to- male or female. That means: there are wards the bottom of the sea and contin- kinds of corals which produce only egg ues its grow there. cells, while other kinds of corals make How can corals bloom together only sperm cells. Yet, the majority of cor- and at the same time? als are hermaphrodites. These kinds of corals produce both egg cells and sperm It is really sensational! Coral blooms cells within a single creature. occur year after year during spring after the onset of darkness in the week after How do corals reproduce? full moon, namely during the time of Corals have at their disposal two very equinox. Such a recurring behavior in the different ways to reproduce themselves. animal world, which always takes place They can reproduce asexually through at an exact time, is called a “synchronized budding: the adult polyp divides itself behavior.” bringing about a genetically identical Scientists have discovered, that three clone, an identical twin. The daughter triggers cause this synchronized behavior polyp stays and grows together with its for all types of corals: parent polyp. When the daughter polyp The first trigger is the slowly increasing grows up, it divides itself anew, resulting water temperature during spring, which in a new clone. Another type of asexual brings egg cells and sperm cells to mature reproduction occurs when storms cause at specific time of the year. A very spe- individual coral pieces to break. Usually, cific water temperature must be reached these coral pieces survive, continue to for corals to be ready to spawn. grow and form a new colony. The second trigger is the time of day. Corals can however also reproduce Corals apparently need the darkness of The “coral bloom” inside sexually – they spawn. The extraordinary the night to reproduce. the shipwreck of Kaluoka’hina and amazing phenomenon during which The third trigger is the moon phase.

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 10 Coral reef during the night

The position of the moon coordinates then the sea currents would be too the exact time during which the corals strong and the chances for egg cells and release their precious cells to the ocean. sperm cells to unite would sink drasti- Of course, it is not moonlight that trig- cally. Scientists also suspect that the si- Almost unbelievable! gers the nightly spectacle; instead, it is multaneous spawning of all corals offers the moon-influenced tides (more on its predators a lot of food at once. This Coral blooms can be recognized from outer space, because corals produce this topic in the next chapter). The coral immense presence of food exceeds the a colorful substance out of egg cells bloom always occurs about five days after predators’ requirement by far. Thus, the and sperm cells, which can spread full moon. Ebb and flow have the small- survival chances for the fertilized eggs out over many hund- r e d s est difference during this moon phase. increases. of kilometers. Thus, the water is calmer; there are less How can a reef originate currents, and weaker whirlpools. This out of individual corals? is the best time for corals to reproduce, since the calm seawater allows for the egg A coral reef builds itself out of many and sperm cells to leisurely drift in the layers of corals. Thereby only the outer water and to unite. layer of the reef is alive. Old coral reefs can become over thirty meters thick, Why do corals reproduce in while the live part may only have a this way and not in another? meter of thickness. During the gradual Nature has functional and useful downward growth of a reef, its old parts reasons for everything that she bears; die while young corals grow further on likewise, for the synchronized behavior top. Some kinds grow up to 15 centime- of the coral bloom. If the coral bloom ters per year, while others less than one would take place at a different time, centimeter.

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 11 THE OCEAN’S BREATHING

The following chapter offers basic knowledge about ebb and flow, the constellations of moon and sun as the cause for the tides, as well as about the influence of the tides on ecosystems and the animal world.

n their quest tion” refers to the attraction between Ofor the key to solid bodies like the moon, the Earth and the rescue of the “En- the sun, for example. Solid bodies possess chanted Reef,” Jake forces, with which they attract other bod- and Shorty realize that ies. In this way, the gravitational force of the “ocean’s breathing,” the Earth is responsible for objects fall- namely ebb and flow, ing to the ground. And the gravitational plays a very important forces of individual planets keep the solar role. Yet, before the system in “balance.” two heroes can find The gravitational pull of the moon On their way back to out more, they have to live through a few works on the side of the Earth facing Kaluoka’hina, Shorty figures adventures. it, making the water loom in the shape out the solution to Cassandra’s of a hump: as the moon pulls the water puzzle. What is exactly meant by the up. But the Earth doesn’t stand still, it term „tides“? rotates on its own axis. Through this, The water rises on almost all seacoasts another force exerts its influence on the twice a day. The beaches become flooded, seawater, namely the centrifugal force. and boats on initially dry ground rise a Since the gravitational force of the moon few meters with the incoming water. The is less than the centrifugal force on the tide reaches its highest point after about side of the Earth opposing the moon, a six and a quarter hours; further six and second, but smaller water hump arises. a quarter hours pass and the water de- When these two water humps move to- scends slowly again – the ebb steps in. wards a coast, the water surface rises as This phenomenon of rising and falling flow, and then, after a few hours, quite water is referred to as “tides” or “tide.” predictably, it falls again. Since there are two “water mountains,” ebb and flow oc- What role plays the moon with cur twice a day. ebb and flow? A precise prediction of the tides is Ever since ancient times, human be- indispensable for navigation, but it re- ings know that the tides on Earth are quires, however, yearlong measurements determined by the course of the moon. and clever statistical methods. But not until1687, when the physicist What else influences Isaac Newton entered the stage with his the tides? gravitation theory, could this natural phenomenon be explained. Newton also found out that the sun, Newton found out, that the gravita- with its enormous gravitational pull, has tional forces of the moon and the sun an influence on the tides of about 30%. have an effect on the Earth. “Gravita- During full moon and new moon, when

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 12 the sun, the moon, and the Earth are Scotia. The deep bay causes the tidal almost aligned one after the other, the waves, which appear here within inter- gravitational forces of the moon and sun vals of a few hours, to dam up and to add up. These forces strengthen the tides, accumulate to great heights in the bay, resulting in the so-called “spring tide.” yielding to water rises up to 21 meters. During the crescent and waning half How do tides affect moon phases, a right angle forms be- sea inhabitants? tween moon, Earth and sun. The forces partially cancel each other, and moon Coastal regions imprinted by tides D id you kno w? flow and sun ebb fall against each oth- have developed very own ecosystems. er, reducing the height of the tide, and Coral reefs in tropical waters also belong The tides develop enormous forces! In the Antarctic, for example, a bringing about the so-called “neap tide.” to these ecosystems influenced by the rise single meter of difference between The height of the tide depends on vari- and fall of the tides. ebb and flow can cause the ice ous factors. In the open sea, the gravita- Sea inhabitants have, ever since hun- flo w of tional forces of the moon and the sun dred thousands of years, also adapted to glaciers to stop for a cause the water to rise everywhere about the always unchanging rhythm of ebb shor t time. 50 centimeters. On the other hand, the and flow. Many birds can only eat dur- height of the tides by the seashores de- ing ebb, and thus search for their food in pends on the irregular shape of the sea the sludge. Seals lay down lazily on sand- basins. Also, the current weather might banks during ebb and sun themselves. play a role. In addition, there are geo- Sludge crabs use the flow and go under- graphically different strong currents, water in search for food, since they can which are referred to as tide currents. find safety there from hungry birds. Fish, The highest tide lift on Earth was mea- like the Grunion, for example, let them- sured in the Bay of Fundy, one of the selves wash ashore by a wave during the funnel-shaped sea bays in the North At- nights of spring tide, in order to spawn lantic, which lies between the Canadian there. Male and female Grunions then provinces of New Brunswick and Nova take the next wave to return to the sea.

Spring Tide: ebb Sun new spring full moon tide moon Earth

Spring Tide and Neap Tide as a Diagram

Neap Tide: last quarter moon tide Sun sun tide Earth

ﬁrst quarter

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 13 “BLACK SMOKERS” – SEA MOUNTAINS AND VOLCANOES

The following chapter oﬀers the reader basic knowledge about the origin of volcanoes, their spreading, and underwater volcano activities.

he story around the Enchanted ticularly thin, magma can break through TReef Kaluoka’hina begins with the as it applies an enormous pressure on the eruption of an underwater volcano. The crust. The magma that escapes from the The highest active volcano is the Mauna Loa in Hawaii. The volcano peaceful reef life that reigned up until Earth’s innards and spreads on the sur- is about 9000 meters high and is thus that moment is suddenly threatened. As face is called lava. As the lava cools down, higher than Mount Everest. Though an old legend says it: when the volcano it becomes a hard rock. In this way, each its height above sea level is “only” erupts, the reef’s magic is broken. new eruption causes lava masses to tower 4139 meters. More than half of the on top of each other gradually and to- Mauna Loa lies under sea How does a volcano originate? level. gether, they become a volcano. During To understand how a volcano comes an eruption energies are released which about, it must be known that our Earth can be up to 600 times bigger than those is not a uniformly solid body; instead, it of an atomic bomb. consists of four very different layers: the How many active inner Earth core, which is made out of volcanoes exist worldwide? iron and nickel, where temperatures of about 6000oC reign. The next layer is The question about the number of ac- called outer Earth core. Then the earth’s tive volcanoes is not easy to answer. Each mantle follows, and finally, the last layer, year, there are around 50 to 60 eruptions. the hard Earth’s crust, on which we hu- On average, that’s more than two erup- mans live. tions in fourteen days. Since people began In the Earth’s mantle, at a depth of to observe and record volcano eruptions, about 60 to 1000 kilometers, we find there were over 500 active volcanoes. At gas-rich and molten stone masses – the the moment, about 600 active volcanoes magma. Because of the enormous pres- are estimated on the Earth. The correct sure there, the stone masses are not liq- count is therefore so hard to ascertain, uid, but rather malleable, like plasticine. since a large part of all volcanoes are In places where the earth’s crust is par- found on the ocean’s floor, making their

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 14 The eruption of an underwater volcano marks the beginning of the story about the Enchanted Reef Kaluoka’hina eruptions hard to document. ing food-rich waters to the surface, thus becoming ideal ground bases for various Where are volcanoes kinds of life communities. particularly frequent? What are actually Volcano activities are mostly found on “black smokers”? the edges of continental plates, where the ocean plates submerge against the conti- “Black smokers” or also “black stink- nental edges and enter the Earth’s man- ers” are the eruption chimneys of newly tle, where they melt again. The Earth’s formed underwater volcanoes. In the crust has particularly many cracks and chimneys, mineral-rich fluids bump slits on these plate edges, through which against each other with a temperature of the magma from the Earth’s mantle rises, up to 400oC – a temperature sufficient building a volcano on the surface. to melt lead. “Black smokers” appear Most volcanoes are found in a girdle mostly in groups, and can cover the area around the Pacific (“Ring of Fire”), in of a football field. Africa, in the region of the Red Sea and The natural phenomenon of the “black near the East African ditches. Many un- stinker” was first discovered in 1977. derwater volcanoes also bubble on the Geologists on a research submarine dis- floor of the Atlantic between Europe and covered the chimney in the proximity of America. The island Surtsey originated the Galapagos Islands. In the meantime, on November 14, 1963, in front of Ice- “black smokers” have quite imaginative land’s coast. The trigger for the coming names like “Godzilla” or “Lucky Strike.” about of this new island, which after ten These hydrothermal chimneys are days already had a length of 900 meters found mostly on the middle oceanic and a width of 650 meters, was the erup- floor, and build very special ecosystems. tion of an underwater volcano. They are worldwide the only ecosystems Underwater volcanoes are also called which don’t take their immediate energy sea mountains or “seamounts.” They from sunlight. Researchers suppose that are at least 1000 meters high and have life on Earth arose under similar envi- a steeply falling slope. Sea mountains ronmental conditions to those that reign can grow up to the water’s surface, carry- inside “black smokers.”

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 15 T H E J U N G L E I N T H E S E A

The following chapter oﬀers the reader basic knowledge about kelp forests and their mea- ning as ecosystems, as well as about their usefulness for human beings.

n the story of the Enchanted Reef sea. There are kinds that shoot up to 45 IKaluoka’hina, a kelp forest plays a very centimeters in height per day. The might- special role. In their adventurous search iest kelp plant, the gigantic tang Macro- for the solution to the mystery about the cystis pyrifera, can reach a length of over magic of their reef, Jake and Shorty must 80 meters. If kelp forests would grow on find Cassandra: an ancient and wise turtle land, their area of coverage would be so who reveals to them a crucial but puzzling large as entire cities. hint to the solution, and who lives since Where can you find times immemorial in the jungle of the sea. kelp forests? What are kelp forests? For its racy growth, kelp requires cold, Whether they’re referred to as kelp, clean, food-rich and moving water. Thus, seaweed, salt cabbage or leaf tang, in all kelp forests thrive particularly well in cases they are plants which have build- those places, where strong currents from ing blocks that belong to one of the most the deep-sea rise, next to the steep slopes humble base forms in botanic science: of continents. That’s why the gigantic kelp plants, which come in about 100 jungles of the sea are limited to the coast- different kinds worldwide, are brown al- al waters of the Arctic and the Antarc- gae of the order Laminariales. That’s why tic, as well as to certain costal regions in their long fronds are actually not leafs, in South Africa, California, Latin America, the way we know them from trees, but and South Australia. rather far less complex organs which they Which animals live in use to perform photosynthesis. the kelp forests? Algae belong to the oldest plants on Earth and are the ancestors of green Kelp forests offer special living envi- plants. Just like all other algae, kelp also ronments to a large number of sea ani- takes up its food over its entire body. mals. They stand as important spawning grounds, food sources and resting places How come algae have such in the sea. In California alone, various a strange name: „kelp“? kinds of bass, scorpion fish, starfish and The name “kelp” refers originally to mussels live in the kelp forest. The big- the ashes of sea algae, from which io- gest grazing animal of the kelp forest is dine, potash, and soda was gained in the the Abalone, a gigantic snail, whose shell 19th century. The name “kelp” was then can become as big as a grapefruit, and is later carried over to denote various algae traded as a delicacy in Asia. genres. Because kelp forests grow up until the water surface, they serve also as resting Jake and Shorty meet Cassandra, How big can kelp forests places for sea birds, which lay down on the oracle, in a kelp forest. Can actually become? she help them save their reef? these tang carpets; and as hideouts for Kelp is the fastest growing plant of the sea lions, who find safety therein against

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 16 Haben Kelpwälder auch einen Nutzen für den Menschen?

Some kinds of kelp plants grow 45 centimeters per day! hungry sharks. recovered. Nevertheless, the sea urchin A dangerous inhabitant of the kelp for- remains a peril for kelp forests. est is the sea urchin. As opposed to other Kelp forests are really gigantic! Do people have a use for animals, the sea urchin doesn’t spend kelp forests? The perennial kelp is the fastest time eating fallen leafs. Instead, it loves growing and biggest plant in the sea. to nibble on young shoots, which causes Algae is harvested above all in North It increases its biomass algae to die. In this way, large kelp for- California. The alga of the kelp forests by a factor of six within a single year! ests were destroyed in the 30’s of the last is not only used as healing medicaments century. To blame was the hunt for fish and nutritional supplements, but also as otters, the natural enemies of sea urchins. fertilizers. Kelp contains a jelly-like sub- By means of the mass hunting of fish ot- stance called Algin, which is used as a ters, whose furs were widely coveted, the binding agent in the cosmetics industry sea urchin was robbed of its natural en- (for shampoo, toothpaste, lipstick, skin emy and could reproduce without lim- creams), as well as for ice cream and pud- its. Today, the number of fish otters has ding.

The mightiest kelp plant, the gigantic tang Macrocystis pyrifera, can reach a length of over 80 meters

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 17 FIREWORKS OF COLOR IN THE ETERNAL DARKNESS

The following chapter oﬀers the reader basic knowledge about the phenomenon of bioluminescence, evolutionary development and the importance for deep-sea life forms, as well as its use for scientiﬁc research.

uring their adventurous trip, Jake processes which destroyed the dangerous Dand Shorty end up by accident oxygen inside the cells: the solution was in a dark and dangerous world – the bioluminescence. deep-sea. No single ray of light reaches The phenomenon of bioluminescence these depths. Still, the eternal darkness is thus almost reaches back to the origins home to many rare and strange-looking of life. The animals, which still possess life forms, which give a rightful scare to the ability of bioluminescence today, our heroes. use it, however, for completely other reasons. What is understood exactly under the term Which animals possess the „bioluminescence“? faculty of bioluminescence?

The term is made up of the Greek word This phenomenon is common to vari- “bios” (life), and the Latin word “lumen” ous animals. Almost every animal phy- (light). Bioluminescence refers to the lum has representatives with this feature. ability of organisms to produce their own The most famous land animals are the light, by means of biochemical processes, glowworm and the firefly. Yet, biolu- during which metabolic energy is given minescence is more commonly found off as visible light. among sea inhabitants. The dinoflagel- lates – one-celled algae that thrive around How did this ability of the ocean’s surface – have such a lighting bioluminescence actually come ability. However, particularly extraordi- about? nary and fascinating is the phenomenon When life on our planet first began to of bioluminescence among deep-sea in- develop, about 3 billion years ago, the habitants. primitive Earth atmosphere did not have The deep-sea amounts to more than oxygen, but instead mostly nitrogen, car- half of the entire Earth’s living space. bon dioxide, carbon monoxide, as well Most life forms that find themselves at as other nitric oxides and noble gases. home in these dark and cold regions The first life forms couldn’t do anything around 800 to 2000 meters deep have with oxygen; in fact, it was poisonous the ability of bioluminescence. In the for them. Then, as blue algae began to eternal darkness, there are life forms such develop, about 2.5 billion years ago, it as the fish “Anomalopidae,” featuring generated a lot of oxygen, so much that light cells ordered into a particular struc- all other life forms became threatened ture on its skin; or the anglerfish, which by the oxidation of the oxygen. In order possesses a bioluminescent organ just be- to survive, they had to invent metabolic fore its mouth.

T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 18 Jake and Shorty ﬁnd many rare and strange-looking life forms in the eternal darkness

In addition, the ability to give off light How do deep-sea animals signals is an ideal defense mechanism. A produce their light? deep-sea cuttlefish, for example, releases Almost unbelievable! There are some fish that have a symbi- a bioluminescent secretion to confuse otic relationship with bacteria. These ani- its aggressor. Thus, the cuttlefish gains Nature is really brilliant! Many deep- sea inhabitants can produce light mals take up the light-producing bacteria enough time to disappear in the dark- with an energetic turnover of into their bodies. Yet, the majority of an- ness. almost 90%. In comparison, imals produce light by means of chemi- Other animals, on the other hand, use man-made light bulbs trans- cal processes within their own body. The bioluminescence to hunt. They use blue form only 5% of the energy into light, the rest is general process is the same for all ani- light that’s visible at long distances to lost as heat. mals: a particular light-prone substance, lure their prey. Meanwhile, the hunter called luciferine, becomes oxidized with recognizes its prey with red light. Red the use of oxygen and chemical energy. light reaches out only for a fraction of The trigger for this chemical reaction is the distance as blue light does. Never- an enzyme called luciferase. During the theless, the hunter uses the red light to oxidation of the luciferine a short spark identify its prey just before the latter can of light is given off. recognize it. Bioluminescent light comes in the colors red, green, blue, orange, and red- Does bioluminescence offer any uses to human violet. Most common is, however, the beings? short-wave blue light, as it can be seen over relatively long distances in the wa- Bioluminescence is used in the form of ter. When deep-sea fish are caught, they bio-indicators to identify environmental usually lose their ability of biolumines- pollution in rivers quickly and reliably. cence. Bioluminescence also plays a role in bio- chemistry, namely to verify the presence What is the function of of proteins, as well as in the form of the bioluminescence? so-called “reporters” in genetic research. Deep-sea inhabitants use bioluminescence to search for partners. It is suspect- ed that duration, color and frequency of transmitted light signals play an important role in attracting the right partner.

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http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/ The oceans breathing

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T e a c h e r ’ s G u i d e 21

“Kaluoka´hina, The Enchanted Reef”

Writer: Gerry Winter - www.oile.de Layout: Daniel Plöchinger Concept: Peter Popp and Gerry Winter