As discussed in Investigating Life 15.1, why might bioluminescence be an advantage for some species of dinoflagellates?

Bioluminescence is the phenomenon which is seen in the dinoflagellates which is very common. It is caused due to chemical reactions that takes place inside the organism.

There is an influx of protons in the cell which drops the pH of the cell. It is the oxidation of luciferin which produces the glow.

This phenomenon acts as a shock for the predator because it is in the form of flash for less than 20 microseconds. This flash reduces the number of dinoflagellates which is being eaten by the predator.