Method for Determining the Contribution of Fluorescence to an Optical Signature, with Implications for Postulating a Visual Function

2017/08/21 by Charles Mazel · 1 citation
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Cephalopods and Marine Biology #Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies

paper · pdf · doi:10.3389/fmars.2017.00266

openalex publication_date 2017/08/21 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23

Abstract

The fluorescence of many marine organisms is a visually compelling phenomenon. Descriptions of the phenomenon have at times been accompanied by suggestions of a visual function, but with minimal supporting evidence. It is possible to make quantitative estimates of the contribution of fluorescence emission to a visual signal under arbitrary illumination conditions. This analysis can help in deciding whether further research into a visual function is warranted, or whether the fluorescence is an interesting epiphenomenon associated with biomaterials that are present for other purposes. This paper describes the concepts associated with visual signals consisting of both reflected and fluoresced light, and methods for determining the underlying optical properties and using that information to model visual signal under environmentally relevant illumination conditions.

Citations

• Fluorescent Signaling in Parrots
• Fluorescent Enhancement of Signaling in a Mantis Shrimp
• Quenching of superoxide radicals by green fluorescent protein
• Red fluorescence in reef fish: A novel signalling mechanism?
• Is the flower fluorescence relevant in biocommunication?
• The Covert World of Fish Biofluorescence: A Phylogenetically Widespread and Phenotypically Variable Phenomenon
• Fairy wrasses perceive and respond to their deep red fluorescent coloration
• Fluorescent proteins function as a prey attractant: experimental evidence from the hydromedusa Olindias formosus and other marine organisms

Cited by

• Fluorescence [wikipedia]