Author : W. H. Beck
Publisher : Clarion Books
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 33,96 MB
Release : 2016
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 9780544416666
Why be afraid of the dark when there is so much to see? W.H. Beck brings the glowing world of bioluminescence to light in this young non-fiction picture book illustrated with stunning photographs.
Author : Michel Anctil
Publisher : McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP
Page : 422 pages
File Size : 19,99 MB
Release : 2018-05-30
Category : Nature
ISBN : 0773554106
Naturalists in antiquity worked hard to dispel fanciful ideas about the meaning of living lights, but remained bewildered by them. Even Charles Darwin was perplexed by the chaotic diversity of luminous organisms, which he found difficult to reconcile with his evolutionary theory. It fell to naturalists and scientists to make sense of the dazzling displays of fireflies and other organisms. In Luminous Creatures Michel Anctil shows how mythical perceptions of bioluminescence gradually gave way to a scientific understanding of its mechanisms, functions, and evolution, and to the recognition of its usefulness for biomedical and other applied fields. Following the rise of the modern scientific method and the circumnavigations and oceanographic expeditions of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, biologists began to realize the diversity of bioluminescence's expressions in light organs and ecological imprints, and how widespread it is on the planet. By the end of the nineteenth century an understanding of the chemical nature and physiological control of the phenomenon was at hand. Technological developments led to an explosion of knowledge on the ecology, evolution, and molecular biology of bioluminescence. Luminous Creatures tracks these historical events and illuminates the lives and the trail-blazing accomplishments of the scientists involved. It offers a unique window into the awe-inspiring, phantasmagorical world of light-producing organisms, viewed from the perspectives of casual observers and scientists alike.
Author :
Publisher :
Page : 218 pages
File Size : 38,20 MB
Release : 1819
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Author : Anne Jankeliowitch
Publisher : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Page : 40 pages
File Size : 42,98 MB
Release : 2017
Category : Animal behavior
ISBN : 9781492653196
"A glow-in-the dark reference book that helps the reader learn about nocturnal animals. What hides in the deep darkness of the night under the starry sky? What does the light of the moon shine upon? At night, we can see their glowing eyes in the dark. But, what are they? Easy: they are nocturnal animals! The bonus of this book: thanks to a phosphorescent system of glow-in-the-dark images, the reader sees different elements appear such as animals, stars, lights, and other background features."--
Author : Bobi Martin
Publisher : Encyclopaedia Britannica
Page : 35 pages
File Size : 46,99 MB
Release : 2016-07-15
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 1680484672
Whether they glimmer to attract prey, to ward off predators, or for another reason entirely, glowing organisms are some of the most mesmerizing wonders of nature. This stunning volume introduces elementary readers to bioluminescence and biofluorescence, using accessible language to explain how and why various organisms make their own light. Vibrant images allow readers to journey through woods haunted by fox fire, soar high with fireflies that punctuate a summer night's sky, and dive deep to view the myriad creatures that illuminate the ocean's depths. Boxed text encourages critical thinking about Earth's incredible biodiversity and the behaviors and chemistry of living things.
Author : Thérèse Wilson
Publisher : Harvard University Press
Page : 196 pages
File Size : 43,57 MB
Release : 2013-03-04
Category : Science
ISBN : 0674071913
Bioluminescence is everywhere on earth—most of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to the flashing of dinoflagellates at the surface. Here, Thérèse Wilson and Woody Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light. While some bacteria, mushrooms, and invertebrates, as well as fish, are bioluminescent, other vertebrates and plants are not. The sporadic distribution and paucity of luminous forms calls for explanation, as does the fact that unrelated groups evolved completely different biochemical pathways to luminescence. The authors explore the hypothesis that many different luciferase systems arose in the early evolution of life because of their ability to remove oxygen, which was toxic to life when it first appeared on earth. As oxygen became abundant and bioluminescence was no longer adequate for oxygen removal, other antioxidant mechanisms evolved and most luminous species became extinct. Those light-emitting species that avoided extinction evolved uses with survival value for the light itself. Today’s luminous organisms use bioluminescence for defense from predators, for their own predatory purposes, or for communication in sexual courtship. Bioluminescence was earlier viewed as a fascinating feature of the living world, but one whose study seemed unlikely to contribute in any practical way. Today, bioluminescence is no longer an esoteric area of research. Applications are numerous, ranging from the rapid detection of microbial contamination in beef and water, to finding the location of cancer cells, to working out circuitry in the brain.
Author : Osamu Shimomura
Publisher : World Scientific
Page : 557 pages
File Size : 46,56 MB
Release : 2019-06-06
Category : Science
ISBN : 9813277122
This book is the bible of bioluminescence and a must-read not only for the students but for those who work in various fields relating to bioluminescence. It summarizes current structural information on all known bioluminescent systems in nature, from well-studied ones to those that have been seldom investigated.This book remains an important source of chemical knowledge on bioluminescence and, since the second edition's publication in 2012, has been revised to include major developments in two systems: earthworm Fridericia and higher fungi whose luciferins have been elucidated and synthesized. These two new luciferins represent an essential addition to seven previously known, with fully rewritten sections covering this new subject matter.
Author : Lynn Frierson Faust
Publisher : University of Georgia Press
Page : 378 pages
File Size : 24,20 MB
Release : 2017-03-01
Category : Nature
ISBN : 0820348724
This is the first comprehensive firefly guide for eastern and central North America ever published. It is written for all those who want to know more about the amazing world of lightning bugs and learn the secrets hidden in the flash patterns of the 75+ species found in the eastern and central U.S. and Canada. As an independent researcher working with numerous university teams, naturalist Lynn Frierson Faust, “The Lightning Bug Lady,” has spent decades tracking the behavior and researching the habitats of these fascinating creatures. Based on her twenty-five years of field work, this book is intended to increase understanding and appreciation of bioluminescent insects while igniting enthusiasm in a fun and informative way. Species accounts are coupled with historical background and literary epigraphs to engage and draw readers young and old into the world of these tiny sparklers. A chart documenting the flash patterns of the various species will aid in identification. Clear photos illustrate the insects’ distinguishing physical characteristics, while habitats, seasonality, and common names are provided in clear, easy-to-understand yet scientifically accurate language. The guide will be welcomed by everyone who wants to learn more about fireflies' and glow-worms' unique traits and about their fragile niche in the ecosystem. FEATURES Over 600 color photographsDetailed accounts and anatomical diagrams of 75+ species, as well as aids in distinguishing between similar speciesA first-of-its-kind flash-pattern chart that folds out on heavy-weight paper • Extensive scientific details written in an understandable and engaging wayColorful, common names—Twilight Bush Baby, Shadow Ghosts, and Snappy Syncs, and more—for easy species identification based on flash patternsTips on ideal sites and times of year for firefly watchingConservation-oriented approach
Author : C. Christopher Smith
Publisher : InterVarsity Press
Page : 251 pages
File Size : 20,89 MB
Release : 2014-05-06
Category : Religion
ISBN : 0830841148
In today's fast-food world, Christianity can seem outdated or archaic. The temptation becomes to pick up the pace and play the game. But Chris Smith and John Pattison invites us to leave franchise faith behind and enter the kingdom of God, where people know each other well and love one another as Christ loves the church.
Author : Vincent Pieribone
Publisher : Harvard University Press
Page : 306 pages
File Size : 13,36 MB
Release : 2005
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780674019218
The discovery of green fluorescent protein revolutionized molecular biology, transforming our study of everything from the AIDS virus to the workings of the brain.
