The Surprising Prevalence of Fluorescent Mammals Revealed by New Study
A new study conducted by researchers from the Western Australian Museum and Curtin University has found that fluorescence, or the ability to glow in the dark under ultraviolet light, is "extremely common" among mammals. The study examined 125 mammal species and found varying degrees of fluorescence in all specimens, including domestic cats, polar bears, bats, mountain zebras, wombats, dolphins, leopards, and Tasmanian devils. Fluorescent compounds were discovered in bone, teeth, claws, fur, feathers, and skin, emitting colors such as red, yellow, green, pink, and blue. The study suggests that fluorescence is prevalent in mammals, particularly those with lighter-colored fur, but the biological function of this phenomenon remains unclear.