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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
Saved By
23 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.

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.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files meet criteria. Video files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 01.25.18
Date Updated 01.25.18

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 (2020)

Topic(s): 1.1, 1.3

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

Use This Resource With

Activity Resource
Activity for Nature’s Cutest Symbiosis: The Bobtail Squid
Interactive Media Resource
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