- Evolution and selection of trichromatic vision in primates
Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Volume 18, Issue 4, 1 April 2003, Pages 198-205
Alison K. Surridge, Daniel Osorio and Nicholas I. Mundy
AbstractTrichromatic colour vision is of considerable importance to primates but is absent in other eutherian mammals. Primate colour vision is traditionally believed to have evolved for finding food in the forest. Recent work has tested the ecological importance of trichromacy to primates, both by measuring the spectral and chemical properties of food eaten in the wild, and by testing the relative foraging abilities of dichromatic and trichromatic primates. Molecular studies have revealed the genetic mechanisms of the evolution of trichromacy, and are providing new insight into visual pigment gene expression and colour vision defects. By drawing together work from these different fields, we can gain a better understanding of how natural selection has shaped the evolution of trichromatic colour vision in primates and also about mechanisms of gene duplication, heterozygote advantage and balancing selection.
Abstract | Full Text | PDF (210 kb)
- How do we use visual information to control locomotion?
Trends in Neurosciences, Volume 3, Issue 10, 1 October 1980, Pages 247-250
James A. Thomson
AbstractWe are accustomed to thinking that we need to use vision all the time to guide us as we walk about in the world. However, recent experiments are beginning to show that vision might be used less than we normally imagine.
Abstract | PDF (590 kb)
- Colour vision in birds and the role of oil droplets
Trends in Neurosciences, Volume 3, Issue , 1 January 1980, Pages 196-199
AbstractAvian vision probably represents the most highly evolved colour vision in the animal kingdom. In this article an outline o f the complexity o f the retina o f birds is given followed by a discussion o f the visual sensitivities of birds, ranging from owls to humming birds, and how these may be correlated with their diverse behaviours and environments.
Abstract | PDF (411 kb)
Copyright © 1980 All rights reserved.
Trends in Neurosciences, Volume 3, 247-250, 1 January 1980
Point of view
How do we use visual information to control locomotion?
James A. Thomson
We are accustomed to thinking that we need to use vision all the time to guide us as we walk about in the world. However, recent experiments are beginning to show that vision might be used less than we normally imagine.