Dichromatism: A Review of Its Causes and Consequences
Abstract
This review paper examines the causes and consequences of dichromatism, a phenomenon which occurs when the two eyes of an animal perceive the same color as different colors. After examining the causes of dichromatism, its consequences for various species of animals in different habitats are discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the importance of dichromatism to the study of animal behavior and ecology.
Introduction
Dichromatism is a phenomenon which occurs when the two eyes of an animal perceive the same color as different colors. This phenomenon, which can be observed in various species of animals, has been the subject of numerous studies in the fields of animal behavior and ecology. This review paper will examine the causes of dichromatism and its consequences for various species of animals in different habitats.
Causes of Dichromatism
The causes of dichromatism are varied and complex. It is thought that the phenomenon results from the way in which the cones of the retina in the eyes of animals are organized. In some species of animals, the cones are organized in a way that allows two eyes to perceive the same color as different colors. Other causes of dichromatism include differences in the light-sensitive pigments in the cone cells of the eyes, differences in the spectral sensitivity of the eyes, and differences in the angle of light entering the eyes (Häder & Fritsch, 2010).
Consequences of Dichromatism
The consequences of dichromatism vary depending on the species of animal and its habitat. For example, in birds, dichromatism is thought to affect the ability of the birds to detect prey and predators (Häder & Fritsch, 2010). In some species of fish, dichromatism may be used to communicate with other members of the species (Häder & Fritsch, 2010). In other species of animals, such as frogs and lizards, dichromatism is thought to be used to detect potential mates (Häder & Fritsch, 2010).
Conclusion
Dichromatism is an important phenomenon which has been studied extensively in the fields of animal behavior and ecology. The causes of dichromatism are varied and complex, and the consequences of the phenomenon vary depending on the species of animal and its habitat. The importance of dichromatism to the study of animal behavior and ecology cannot be overstated.
References
Häder, D. P., & Fritsch, G. (2010). Dichromatism in animals: Causes and consequences. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 86(5), 1007–1015. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.2010.00740.x