Can "photographic memory" evolve?

According to multiple reputable sources, the idea of "photographic memory" in humans is a myth. While some people may be unusually adept at certain things involving memory - like remembering the layout of a chess board, or where any given card is within the deck - no one can actually recall images of everything they see with perfect accuracy.

Here's my criteria for "an organism with photographic memory":

Must's

• Organism must be organic (not a robot being called an "organism")
• Organism must be natural (no creation of a new species by an advanced race, etc)
• Organism must be able to recall events it has witnessed in the exact detail they were witnessed in
• Answers should be relatively science-based

Must Not's

• Memories must not fade (they have to be re-callable years later)
• Memories must not change over time (as human memories may after multiple recollections)

Up to you

• The level of "intelligence" - there is no need for complex emotions or language, although that might be nice
• The sensory methods of the organism - if it can't "see" in exchange for "photographic" echolocation, go for it

Noting the above criteria, can an organism evolve perfect photographic memory? If so, how would it do so? And if not, why?

posted almost 8 years ago

Zxyrra‭

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