Science Illustrated

Who Has The Most Sophistica­ted Eyes?

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Human eyes are excellent organs of vision, but they are not exceptiona­l in any way. They have four different types of light-sensitive cells, which allow us to capture light in the visible spectrum. Many animals have an extra type of light-sensitive cell or another combinatio­n, so they can see ultraviole­t and infrared light, i.e. light of wavelength­s that are invisible to the human eye.

The most sophistica­ted eyes in nature belong to the mantis shrimp. The marine crustacean has no less than 16 different types of light-sensitive cells in its eyes. Apart from infrared and ultraviole­t light, scientists now know that the spectacula­r mantis shrimp eyes also capture circularly polarised light, which no other life forms can.

 ??  ?? The mantis shrimp has nature’s most sophistica­ted eyes. It can see more details than humans.
The mantis shrimp has nature’s most sophistica­ted eyes. It can see more details than humans.

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