What Fascinating Adaptation Allows Some Animals to See Colors We Can't?

Category: Animals > Vision

One of the most remarkable adaptations in the animal kingdom is found in the mantis shrimp, a marine crustacean known for its striking colors and complex behavior. Unlike humans, who have three types of color receptors (cones) for red, green, and blue, mantis shrimp possess an astounding 16 types of photoreceptor cells. This allows them to see a spectrum of colors that includes ultraviolet light, which is invisible to humans. Their extraordinary vision enables them to detect subtle changes in their environment, communicate with each other through color patterns, and even spot prey with exceptional precision. This advanced visual capability is not only a fascinating example of evolutionary adaptation but also plays a crucial role in the mantis shrimp's survival in the diverse and often treacherous underwater world.

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