Question

Bioluminescence in Fireflies

Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are one of the most common bioluminescent organisms in North America. One suggested benefit of firefly
flashing is sexual selection by females who like longer flashes and specific patterns by males. One drawback to this is predatory fireflies will prey on
males who flash too predictably or too long. Through these two constraints, there has been evolution of firefly signaling over time.
The essential question is: Did bioluminescence evolve multiple times or just once in fireflies?
pre
Guesth
Your Evidence
Discrete ashes
Noniuminescent
Olews
Essential Question: Did bioluminescence evolve multiple times or just once in fireflies?
Your Claim:
*Lewis, SM and Cratsley, CK (2008). Flash Signal Evolution. Mate Choice, and Predation in Fireflies. Annual Review of Entomology. 53:293-321
Your Reasoning
-0.05 substution/site
Make a prediction of one evolutionary advantage bioluminescence might serve in these fireflies.
Brachylampis sancos
Lewis SM, Cratsley CK. 2008
Annu. Rev. Entomol. 53:293-321

Answer 1

Bioluminescence in fireflies has evolved multiple times through convergent evolution. Sexual selection and predator avoidance are likely driving factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bioluminescence in fireflies has evolved multiple times. It is an example of convergent evolution, with at least 30 distinct lineages of fireflies acquiring the characteristic of bioluminescence. This evolution is likely driven by strong sexual selection pressures from females who prefer longer flashes and specific patterns.

One study by Lewis and Cratsley in 2008 (Annual Review of Entomology) examines the evolution of flash signals, mate choice, and predation in fireflies. The research suggests that fireflies have evolved their flashing patterns to avoid predation from predatory fireflies.

While fireflies and dinoflagellates both exhibit bioluminescence, they have evolved the trait independently, as the light-emitting molecules and enzymes involved are distinct in the two groups.