Marine Worms with Glowing Bombs
More security stories from the natural world:
During chase scenes, movie protagonists often make their getaway by releasing some sort of decoy to cover their escape or distract their pursuer. But this tactic isn’t reserved for action heroes—some deep-sea animals also evade their predators by releasing decoys—glowing ones.
Karen Osborn from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography has discovered seven new species of closely related marine worms (annelids) that use this trick. Each species pack up to four pairs of “bombs” near their heads—simple, fluid-filled globes that the worms can detach at will. When released, the “bombs” give off an intense light that lasts for several seconds.
BF Skinner • August 28, 2009 6:45 AM
Ira had this story on NPR Science Friday last week and there’s some video here http_//www_sciencefriday_com/.
But I like the notion that Bruce has written twice before on “Marine Worms with Glowing Bombs”.
As folk with security interests we should be well rounded.