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Nature’s Cutest Symbiosis: The Bobtail Squid

Topic
  • Microbiology
  • Bacteria
  • Microbial Ecology
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Zoology
Resource Type
  • Videos
  • Animated Shorts
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Duration
00:08:05
Favorited By
16 Users
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Description

This short video explores the symbiotic relationship between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and light-producing bacteria.

The bobtail squid is no bigger than a walnut and is a tasty mouthful for predators in the coastal waters of Hawaii. But the species continues to thrive in these waters in part because of its symbiotic relationship with the bioluminescent bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri (formerly Vibrio fischeri).

The bacteria reside inside a structure on the underside of the squid called the light organ. At night, the bacteria produce a glow that matches the moonlight coming from above, rendering the squid virtually invisible to predators from below. A spectacular feature of this symbiosis is that squid aren’t born with a complete light organ—the bacteria help the organ develop.

The “Abbreviated Film Guide” provides a short summary of the film, along with key concepts and connections to curriculum standards.

This video is part of the series I Contain Multitudes, hosted by science journalist Ed Yong.

Details
Key Terms

bioluminescence, camouflage, counterillumination, development, host, marine biology, microbe, mutualism

Primary Literature

McFall-Ngai, Margaret. “Divining the Essence of Symbiosis: Insights from the Squid-Vibrio Model.” PLoS Biology 12, 2 (2014): e1001783. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1001783.

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Version History
Date Published 01.25.18
Date Updated 01.25.18
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1.A, HS-LS2.A, HS-LS4.B, HS-LS4.C

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-3, ENE-4, IST-3, IST-5, SYI-1

IB Biology (2016)

4.1, C.1

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.A

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

2.1

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2, CC5

Materials
Abbreviated Film Guide (PDF) 146 KB
Transcript (PDF) 335 KB
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