The vision of birds of prey is often cited as one of the most advanced in the animal kingdom. These hunting birds spot their prey at impressive distances thanks to unique adaptations.
Birds of prey, such as eagles, falcons, and hawks, benefit from highly developed vision. Their ability to discern details is three to five times greater than that of humans. This exceptional visual acuity is due to the size of their eyes and the high density of photoreceptors in their retinas.
Mantis shrimp have four times as many types of color photoreceptors as we do.
Image Wikimedia
When it comes to color vision, the mantis shrimp surpasses all other animals. With twelve types of photoreceptors, it perceives shades and light polarizations invisible to the human eye. This ability may allow it to communicate or hunt in ways that are foreign to us.
Insects, on the other hand, process images at a phenomenal speed. Their vision can capture hundreds of images per second, a crucial adaptation for escaping predators. This speed is due to their small body size, which reduces the distance nerve signals must travel.
Each visual system involves trade-offs. The compound eyes of insects and mantis shrimp offer less detailed vision than those of vertebrates. Humans, with their balanced vision, are well adapted to their environment. As one expert points out, we have found a middle ground between acuity, color perception, and processing speed.
How do birds of prey see so clearly?
Birds of prey have proportionally larger eyes than humans, allowing for better light capture. Their retinas are densely packed with photoreceptors, increasing the resolution of their vision.
This adaptation is crucial for spotting prey at great distances. Birds of prey can distinguish details invisible to us, such as a small rodent hidden in the grass.
The structure of their eye also includes a specialized area, the fovea, where the concentration of photoreceptors is highest. This area acts like a natural magnifying glass, amplifying landscape details.
Finally, their ability to quickly adjust focus allows them to track moving prey with remarkable precision.
Why does the mantis shrimp have such advanced color vision?
The mantis shrimp uses its vision to navigate coral reefs, where colors play a key role in communication and camouflage. Its twelve photoreceptors allow it to distinguish subtle shades.
This ability may also help identify prey or mates. Some mantis shrimp species display color patterns only visible under polarized light.
Their ultraviolet vision gives them an advantage in shallow waters, where UV light penetrates easily. This allows them to see details invisible to other animals.
Unlike humans, who combine signals from three photoreceptors to perceive color, the mantis shrimp may process each wavelength separately, creating a much richer color palette.