Visual Ecology of the Australian Lungfish
Author Information
Author(s): Hart Nathan S, Bailes Helena J, Vorobyev Misha, Marshall N Justin, Collin Shaun P
Primary Institution: The University of Queensland
Hypothesis
What are the visual adaptations of the Australian lungfish that accompany its evolutionary transition from water to land?
Conclusion
The Australian lungfish has a complex visual system that suggests many ocular characteristics seen in terrestrial vertebrates evolved in shallow water before the transition onto land.
Supporting Evidence
- Juvenile lungfish have four types of cone photoreceptors, allowing for potential tetrachromatic color vision.
- Adult lungfish lack UVS cones and have ocular media that block ultraviolet light.
- The visual system of the lungfish is more similar to that of terrestrial vertebrates than to other fish.
Takeaway
The Australian lungfish can see colors better than we thought, which helps it find food and avoid danger in its watery home.
Methodology
The study involved measuring the spectral absorption characteristics of visual pigments and filters in the lungfish's retina, as well as modeling its visual performance.
Limitations
The study did not model the effects of visual performance in bright light conditions.
Participant Demographics
The study included both juvenile and adult Australian lungfish.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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