Science has known that birds, insects, reptiles, and fish
can detect ultraviolet light. Recent studies show that more animals share this
ability than originally believed. A new study shows that cats and dogs may be
able to see UV, too.
Cats are nocturnal and have been thought of as being able to
see in the dark. They have long been
a symbol of the mysterious. It's now believed they can see things invisible to
humans such as psychedelic stripes on flowers and flashy patterned feathers on
birds. The secret to this is ultraviolet light detection, an ability shared by
many animals but not humans. Snow reflects UV but white fur does not, allowing
reindeer to see polar bears at a distance. Humans would just see a blur of all
white.
It is assumed that most mammals do not see UV because they
have no visual pigment sensitive to UV. They have lenses like those of man that
prevent UV from reaching the retina. Certain people, such as those who have had
their lenses replaced during cataract surgery, can see some UV, but most humans
cannot.
Humans are good at seeing detail. If we didn't have a lens
that removed the UV so that we don't see it, the world would appear more
blurry.
Next week I'll share some facts about dogs.
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