1

bioluminescence

bioluminescence is the term used to describe light produced by living things. there are several different types of organisms that can make light, including fungi, bacteria, insects, and fish. dinoflagellates are a special type of marine algae that produce light. they only make light when disturbed by an object moving through the water.
examples of light-producing marine life can be seen along coasts across the globe when the night sky is at its darkest. people most often describe these viewings as "glowing waters" or "red and blue waves." scientists believe these creatures emit light to ward off predators, attract prey, and/or communicate.

passage 2

adapted from living lights: a popular account of phosphorescent animals and vegetables
by charles frederick holder

in 1868 or 1869, i was exploring the reefs near port louis. it was there that i witnessed one of the most singular sights it is possible to believe. my crew gently moved my boat over the reefs, so that i could see any object in the water. as the boat crossed over the reef into deep water, i was amazed to find the water alive with hundreds of millions of little creatures. the little creatures beamed all the colors of the spectrum. the most brilliant diamond could not compete with the light sent out by them. such a scene must be witnessed to form any idea of its magnificence. the whole ocean was aglow with colored lights, the light extending for miles.

passage 3

adapted from narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships adventure and beagle between the years 1826 and 1836
by charles r. darwin

while sailing one dark night, the sea bloomed with a most beautiful sight. every part of its surface, which is seen as foam during the day, now glowed with a pale light. as the ship moved forward it created waves of liquid light. in its wake followed a milky train. as far as the eye could see, the top of every wave was bright from the reflected glare of these flames.

8
select the correct answer from the drop-down menu.
based on the information from the passages, the reader can infer that
reset next