glowing fungi

[miriam_e]

Mum & Dad have grown a forest on their land over the years. It is really amazing. When they first moved there it was mostly treeless. Now it looks like light rainforest with open glades in it. When I visited them recently they showed me some fungi growing on a log near the house. At night it glows with an incredibly bright light. It got me thinking. When organisms discard large amounts of energy there is usually some utility value behind it. We waste large amounts of heat because if continually stoked we don't have to depend on ambient temperature. It means we have to eat heaps more than reptiles, but we get to be active any time we want and can live in a wider range of climates.

What possible use could fungi have for being so extravagant with light energy? Light is usually used as a signalling system. Perhaps it relies upon some insects or mammals to carry their spores. Other fungi rely mainly on wind, but that is a pretty hit-or-miss affair. If there is some small critter that frequents rotting logs the fungus would have a great advantage in luring them when their spores are ready for distribution.

I go up there again on Thursday. I intend to have a closer look to see if there is light coming preferentially from those that are producing spores. Meanwhile I will see what I can find out in my books and on the net.