The colour-blindness of some lemurs is no accident. Full colour vision might actually hinder the lemurs' night sight, according to a study
colour vision, with its red-, blue- and green-sensitive cone cells in the retina of the eye, is better than that of most mammals, which have to limp along dichromatically. It is thought to have evolved because primates are generally arboreal frugivores, and fruit are often brightly coloured. Some lemurs, however, are exceptions. They do indeed live in trees and consume fruit.
The assumption until now has been that these lemurs have been unlucky and have lost part of their colour vision by chance at some point in the past. But Rachel Jacobs of George Washington University, in America, disagrees. A paper she has published inargues that these lemurs’ loss of the ability to see red, as it were, is no accident.Colour-blind lemurs all belong to the genus, meaning they are closely related.
These observations suggest that colour vision ceases to be an advantage at night. But Dr Jacobs goes further. She proposes that full colour vision might actually hinder the animals’ night sight, by interfering with perceptions of brightness. This will require further testing.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why you should stop telling people you're so busyWhy you should stop telling people you're so busy. via CNBCMakeIt
Read more »
We still don't know why Mueller didn't charge Trump with obstructionAnalysis: While the Mueller report gave us a window into the special counsel's thinking, here's what remains unanswered about his decision on obstruction.
Read more »
Digital Defectors: Why 3 Execs Left Cushy Corporate Jobs For CryptoDeloitte's former global head of blockchain saw firsthand the greed and corruption that led to the financial collapse in 2007. Then, in April 2018, he struck out on his own aiming to use the technology that underlies bitcoin to bring more transparency to the way the world’s goods move.
Read more »
Why Today's Space Race Is On Pace To Eclipse The PastIn the next ten years, the world will observe not only the proliferation of tens of thousands of new satellites on orbit but also thousands of new commercial space companies. Within this revolution, what opportunities and perils will come to light for national security and commercial space?
Read more »
Boeing ‘shielded’ from 737 Max order cancellationsAirlines are hungry for fuel-efficient single-aisle jets and there’s a wait list for the 737 Max’s closest competitor, Oxford Economics says.
Read more »
Why Cooking Is Like YogaChef and author Daniela Soto-Innes dishes on finding equanimity in the kitchen, her go-to tools and techniques, and why mezcal is the best drink of all.
Read more »
Why Tax Refunds Aren't Really A Good Thing: How To Plan BetterDid you get a refund this year? It would probably be better financial planning if you didn't.
Read more »
France's yellow vests: Who they are, what they want, and whyPARIS (AP) — France's yellow vest protesters are still a force to be reckoned with as they hold their 23rd straight weekend of demonstrations since the movement started in November. Here's a look...
Read more »