Evolution of colour discrimination in vertebrates and its implications for visual communication

Shaun Patrick Collin, A.E.O. Trezise

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperChapterpeer-review

    Abstract

    The evolution of visual communication is explored in the context of recent findings of the potential for colour vision in the first vertebrates (the lampreys). Colour discrimination is important in visual communication in the aquatic realm, providing the basis for territorial, predatory and reproductive strategies among a large range of species. In order to perceive colour, a species must possess at least two cone photoreceptors with different spectral sensitivities and whose signals can be compared. The recent finding of five cone photoreceptors in a species of lamprey (Agnatha) suggests that the ancestral vertebrate had colour vision and that photoreception was based on photopic (cone-based) vision. This review explores the evolution of photoreceeption and spectral filters in vertebrates from a morphological, physiological and molecular perspective. Implications for the design of both visual signals and receptors and how these may be used in visual communication in early vertebrates is also discussed.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationCommunication in Fishes
    EditorsF. Ladich, S.P. Collin, P. Moller, B.G. Kapoor
    Place of PublicationEnfield and Plymouth
    PublisherScience Publishers
    Chapter12
    Pages303-335
    Number of pages33
    Publication statusPublished - 2006

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