Final answer:
Vibrio fischeri uses autoinducers in a quorum sensing process to coordinate bioluminescence when population density is high, benefiting the group.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bioluminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri produce luminescence as a result of a cell-cell communication process known as quorum sensing. The use of autoinducers enables V. fischeri to determine when their population has reached a sufficient density to trigger luminescence, which in turn can provide various advantages such as forming a mutualistic relationship with a host or executing coordinated responses such as biofilm formation. Although the bacteria can use autoinducers to coordinate many different processes, the specific advantage in this context is (c) coordination of bioluminescence. Quorum sensing involves autoinducers that are signaling molecules secreted by bacteria to communicate with other bacteria of the same kind. This cell communication can influence behaviors that are beneficial when expressed by a group, but are not beneficial to individual bacteria.