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Amazing! The mantis shrimp's compound eyes can actually achieve visual superpowers that humans cannot imagine!
In nature, sight can see everything, and the visual systems of certain creatures can demonstrate superpowers that are unmatched by humans. Take mantis shrimps as an example. Their unique compound eye structure allows them to possess amazing visual abilities when observing the surrounding environment. They can not only perceive extremely small changes in light, but also distinguish up to 16 colors, which is very important for survival and hunting. It is undoubtedly a huge advantage for fishing.
The compound eyes of mantis shrimp allow them to react quickly in the unpredictable underwater environment and can better identify the polarization of light.
The compound eyes of the mantis shrimp are composed of thousands of small units, called ommatidia. Each single eye has its own lens, which allows light to be sensed in multiple different directions when it enters. Compared with a single eye, the compound eye's performance in image resolution is less than ideal, but it has a wide field of view and the ability to detect fast movements.
When we observe the behavior of mantis shrimps, we find that they are able to easily capture moving prey in a rapidly changing environment. The secret behind this fast reaction time is precisely the ability given by the structure of their compound eyes. According to research, the reaction time of mantis shrimp to movement is about 0.01 seconds, while the reaction time of humans is about 0.05 seconds.
What is unique about this type of visual system is that they can receive light information from different directions at the same time.
Types of compound eyes
Compound eyes can be divided into many types, the most common of which include "apposition eyes" and "superposition eyes". Additive eyes generally form multiple inverted images, while superimposed eyes can form a single upright image.
Additional eyes
In an additive eye structure, the lens of organisms such as the mantis shrimp focuses light from one direction on its visual receptors, while light from other directions is absorbed. This special visual quality allows the mantis shrimp to effectively identify colors and shapes, thereby providing an advantage for hunting.
Overlay eyes
In contrast, superimposed eyes are more complex and can be divided into three subtypes. Through different arrangements of lenses and reflectors, the superimposed eye can form a clearer image, especially among insects at night, which are extremely sensitive to weak light sources.
Special area for compound eyes
Many fast-flying insects, such as bees or dragonflies, have specialized visual areas. The single eyes in these areas are specially arranged to form a flat visual area. This evolution allows them to accurately grasp the target when hunting.
Scientists have discovered that the behavioral preferences displayed by these insects in complex environments are closely related to the tiny asymmetry of their compound eyes.
The compound eye in culture
In culture, the concept of compound eyes often appears. For example, what is called "dragonfly eyes" in Chinese refers to the multi-faceted glass beads made in the ancient East and West. This is not only an aesthetic attraction, but its multi-perspective nature has also inspired inspiration in art, film and literature.
In today's scientific community, research on the mantis shrimp's compound eyes not only helps us understand its ecological habits, but also stimulates application potential in bioengineering and visual technology. As technology advances, can we find more potential revelations in the visual systems of other species in the future?
