<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"\r\nHappy Dino Pet Eve, everybody! In just 8 short hours the Dino Pet Early Access Sale will commence, allowing you a chance to get a Dino Pet before they officially go on sale. In honor of this historic occasion, I thought I'd take a moment to answer 2014's most pressing question: What is this Dino Pet thing everybody's going on about?\r\n\u00A0\r\nSimply put, the Dino Pet is a living art piece, children's toy, introductory pet, biological magic trick, conversation starter, science lesson and much, much more all packed into one stylishly simple little shell. You give it a minimal amount of care, and it gives back an incredible light show when you play with it at night.\r\n\u00A0\r\n\r\n\u00A0\r\nIf you've ever been lucky enough to visit a bioluminescent bay, or any beach during a red tide, then you're likely familiar with the naturally occurring marine bioluminescence the Dino Pet displays. To get downright science-y on you, the Dino Pet is filled with a species of bioluminescent phytoplankton called Pyrocystis fusiformis. This species is a type of dinoflagellate (there are over 2,000 different types!) that photosynthesizes to produce energy, then expends that energy in a brilliant light show. These dinoflagellates, or dinos if you will, are what the Dino Pet is named after.\r\n\u00A0\r\nThe theory is that the light show they produce is a defense mechanism that acts as a 'Bat Signal' of sorts \u2014 When a predator comes along to eat the delicious little guys, they jostle the surrounding dinoflagellates causing them to produce light. This light illuminates the predator so that a bigger, badder predator in the area can swoop in for the save.\r\n\u00A0\r\nIf you've never experience bioluminescence first hand, the Dino Pet will allow you to hold it in the palm of your hand, no matter how land-locked you happen to be. Even more awesome, the Dino Pet uses energy from the sun to recharge during the day, so you can experience the brilliant show night after night in the comfort of your own home.\r\n\u00A0\r\nHere are some of the most common questions, asked and answered:\r\n\u00A0What makes this a good pet for kids?\u00A0 Do you think pets are too dangerous, too messy, or too much responsibility for your little one? If you said \u2018yes\u2019 or \u2018no\u2019 to any of those things, then the Dino Pet is perfect for you. It\u2019s completely non-toxic, requires minimal care (indirect sunlight + one meal every couple months), and doesn\u2019t even poop! It\u2019s the perfect entry-level pet to teach kids responsibility without having to worry about the crushing burden falling back on you.\r\nHow long do the dinoflagellates bioluminesce after shaking?\u00A0 The dinoflagellates need continuous shaking to maintain an intense glow, but the show doesn\u2019t end when the shaking stops. Before the dinos have a chance to settle, they will continue to move through the water lighting up as they bounce off of one another making for a light show similar to a meteor shower.\r\nWhat happens if I drink the dinos?\u00A0 You will magically be transformed into a Stomachsore-us Rex! While we recommend that you do not drink the dinoflagellates because they live in salt water that will probably give you a tummy ache, the Pyrocystis fusiformis species of dinoflagellates we use are nontoxic and completely safe for children.\r\nDoes this make a good present? Of course it makes a great present! The Dino Pet is easy to care for, unique, and affordable. Plus, do you know anyone who has living, glowing pet?\r\n\u00A0\r\nStill have questions? Well, we've got answers right here..."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<https://biopop.com/blogs/news/15217785-the-dino-pet-explained>