I'm providing an interesting twist on the Anatomically Correct series by focusing on a single body part instead of an entire organism.

The following image depicts the average range of the cones of a normal human eye. Each cone allows the eye to see within a different range, and combining those ranges allows us to see in the way that we do.

Different animals have different cones. Some animals have less cones, and some animals have more cones. The vision in animals varies widely: some animals like birds and insects can see in ultraviolet light; some animals like frogs can see in infrared.

For my story, I'm developing a creature that has the ability to alter the range of color perception in its eyes. For example, it might decide it wants one of the cones to extend into the range of infrared in order to identify sources of heat.

More specifically, it might take a cone that sees in the range 500-700 nm and change it to see in 600-800 nm. (notice the range is still 200 nm) Sometimes there will be a resulting gap, where colors that were previously easily identifiable become more difficult to see. (as least until it changes its eyes back)

How might an eye with the ability to alter its range of color perception evolve?

Assume an Earth-like planet. Any neural alteration that might be required should be addressed in the answer as well. (because if the brain can't interpret the different colors, there's no point in an eye that can capture them)

The eyes should be capable of making these changes in an amount of time ranging anywhere from a few seconds to an hour or so. (the quicker, the better)

posted over 4 years ago

overlord - Reinstate Monica‭

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