Evolution of a creature that uses light as a weapon
On our world we have any number of creatures that use:
- Noxious Chemicals
- Poison(Spiders and Snakes being the obvious examples)
- Sound
- Electricity
as an alternative to their teeth and claws.
One thing that we don't really have though is creatures using light as a weapon, I don't mean using it as lures, bait, or for attracting a mate. I mean actual light used to damage the target.
It would probably make sense if it was aimed at the targets vision but something more dangerous would be even better.
So the question is, how could a creature (plants are acceptable) evolve to use light as a weapon. How would that weapon work and what would it look like?
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1 answer
Others have put up some good ideas for how to generate light.
As eimyr pointed out, tooth and claw is going to be a lot more effective than shining a bright light on them, though using it to blind/stun isn't a bad idea.
Here's a possible why. If their primary predator was photo sensitive, then a light attack would do more damage than it would to you or I. This would be a bit like a vampire in the sunlight, or the underground monsters in Pitch Black.
There is a rare genetic condition in humans that makes them more sensitive to light. If the predator had a severe case then being able to make light would be useful.
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