From the Depths
The deep ocean is an inhospitable place, with no light and high pressure. Many organisms there bioluminesce, including a creature straight out of a bizarre nightmare that uses a glowing lure to attract prey.
Burning With Cold Fire
Imagine yourself thousands of years ago, coming across something that emitted light, but not heat. What is this strange, green, cold fire? You might even attribute it to supernatural forces. But it isn't magic, it's chemistry.
Let it Glow
Bioluminescence is the process of emitting light through a chemical reaction, facilitated by an enzyme. Different species have developed various uses for this process.
Brain Games
For humans, the importance of play is also evident in its influence on the brain and the connections between brain cells that develop because of it. Such connections are still under study, but form an important part of human mental agility and adaptive ability.
I Want to Hold Your Arms
Octopuses are highly intelligent, especially considering that they are invertebrates. Knowing this, would they participate in play behavior? It's difficult to say for sure, but the potential is there.
Pawsitive Reinforcement
Many species of large cats are solitary upon reaching adulthood. However, there is evidence for the social benefit of play behavior in these species as well.
Shellebrate Good Times
Can reptiles play? Many reptile species behaviors are instinctual, not learned, so many of the previous examples would not apply. However, the importance of enrichment activities for captive turtles complicates the question.
Polly Want a Playmate
For social species, play can be such an important part of their development that its absence causes severe behavioral problems. This is particularly clear when looking at pet parrots.
Man’s Best Friends
Domestic pets also exhibit play behavior, much of it passed down from their wild ancestors. Even though their survival needs are met mainly by their human owners, play still helps in the development of social and motor skills for them.
Playing with a Porpoise
Dolphins are another highly intelligent group of species that are well known for their playful behavior, even with other species. However, it is important to remember that they are wild animals and can harm others even without malicious intent. They are not pets and should be treated with respect.