A study in Proceedings of the Royal Society B reports the earliest bioluminescence in marine life from 540 million years ago.

Genetic analysis suggests the last common ancestor of octocorals developed the ability to emit light in the early Cambrian period.

Bioluminescence in octocorals possibly originated as an antioxidant-like mechanism before becoming a trait for deep ocean adaptation.

The findings offer significant insights into the evolutionary history of bioluminescence among marine organisms.