The Role of Bioluminescence Its Origins in Evolution

Many animals use bioluminescence as a signal to attract potential mating partners over large distances. One particular species will then use a specific signal, for instance a burst of flashes of a specific frequency that can be recognized by other individuals of the same species. This is not a totally safe way to communicate, for in some cases there are pirate species which will use similar light signals to attract their prey. 

This is indeed the second important biological role of bioluminescence, common among deep sea fishes. Many small animals are attracted by the 

There are however instances in which the biological usefulness of light emission is not at all clear. Why should some mushrooms for example show bioluminescence This brings us to some speculations concerning the origins of bioluminescence in evolution. 

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