Some animals can see colors that we cannot perceive because they possess photoreceptors sensitive to wavelengths different from those detected by our eyes. These adaptations allow them to better adapt to their environment and detect important signals for their survival.
Some animals perceive color ranges that are completely invisible to us. Many birds and insects, for example, can detect ultraviolet light thanks to special receptors located in their eyes. This ability allows them to spot hidden patterns on flowers or the plumage of potential mates that remain completely undetectable to humans. Among snakes, particularly vipers and pythons, there is a perception of infrared light through small heat-sensitive pits located on their snouts. This acts somewhat like a form of thermal vision, ideal for tracking their prey at night or in total darkness. These alternative visions are not just gadgets; they represent remarkably effective tools for survival and adaptation to different environments.
In humans, color vision relies on three types of cones sensitive to short, medium, and long wavelengths (in other words, blue, green, and red). However, some animals have a much broader palette. For example, birds often have four types of cones, allowing them to perceive ultraviolet light in addition to the colors we distinguish. Other marine creatures like the mantis shrimp go even further: they possess twelve to sixteen different types of cones! This doesn't necessarily mean they see incredibly varied tones, but rather that they can quickly and accurately identify different colors, which is crucial for reacting swiftly to their environment. This variety in cone types directly explains why some species capture a range of colors that is completely invisible to our human eyes.
In some animals, the environment in which they live strongly influences their visual perception. For example, fish evolving in deep waters have developed eyes capable of capturing the faint light available, sometimes detecting colors invisible to us, such as certain shades of deep blue or purple. Conversely, insects living in flower-rich environments often have an increased sensitivity to ultraviolet, allowing them to easily spot pollen and nectar. For other species, such as certain reptiles, the ability to perceive infrared directly stems from the need to locate their prey in low-visibility areas. Thus, the environment drives some animals to develop an adapted and specific vision, literally seeing their world in colors different from ours.
In many animals, colors serve to convey quick and effective messages. For example, some birds display brightly colored plumage to attract the attention of potential mates or to warn their rivals that they are healthy. In insects, such as bees, seeing ultraviolet light allows them to easily identify nectar-rich flowers, which are tacitly marked with an UV signal invisible to us. Some reptiles also use colors to clearly signal "watch out, I am dangerous" or "not worth it, I am toxic." In short, for many species, colors, even those we cannot see, serve as a true natural advertising billboard.
Seeing colors beyond our visual range can be a tremendous evolutionary boost. For example, some birds of prey locate their prey using ultraviolet rays, as the urine trails left by small rodents stand out clearly under UV light. The result: a meal served with little effort! Conversely, quickly identifying unusual wavelengths, such as those in the infrared, allows animals like certain snakes to easily detect their prey hidden in the darkness, somewhat like thermal vision. For prey, having an expanded vision enables immediate detection of a camouflaged predator through subtle color variations that are invisible to us. These abilities provide a real survival bonus and promote the transmission of these valuable genes to the next generation.
In some coral reef fish, having an extended vision in the ultraviolet spectrum greatly facilitates social communication by making visible pattern signals or facial expressions that are invisible to predators.
The ability to perceive unusual wavelengths, such as infrared or ultraviolet, can represent a significant evolutionary advantage, directly influencing the survival and reproduction of the species within certain specific ecosystems.
Some snakes, like pit vipers, can detect infrared radiation, which allows them to sense the body heat of their prey even in complete darkness.
The crustacean known as the mantis shrimp possesses up to 12 types of retinal cones—far more than humans, who only have 3—which likely gives them an exceptional sensitivity to colors, even those beyond our visible spectrum.
Humans have evolved with three types of cones primarily adapted to our diurnal terrestrial environment and the visual needs related to foraging for colorful food. Certain species, such as birds or mantis shrimp, have adapted differently, possessing up to 12 types of cones to better distinguish the numerous color nuances present in their specific habitats.
The environment exerts a significant evolutionary pressure on sensory perception. For example, species living in differently lit regions (dense tropical forests, deep underwater areas, etc.) have developed varied sensitivities to colors that are suited for detecting prey, predators, or potential mates in their specific environment.
Sure! Here’s the translation: "Yes. Nocturnal animals, like cats or owls, have a large number of light-sensitive rod cells, as well as a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum that allows them to reflect more light, significantly enhancing their night vision compared to that of humans."
Yes, some species of snakes such as pythons and rattlesnakes have heat-sensitive pits that allow them to detect the infrared radiation emitted by their prey, even in complete darkness. This sense gives them a significant adaptive advantage when hunting.
Birds have specific types of photoreceptors (called ultraviolet retinal cones), which are absent in humans, allowing them to detect the UV spectrum. This visual capability is useful for mate selection, detecting prey, and guiding their behaviors according to markers that are invisible to our eyes.
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