How animals saw the world: Colour vision's ancient origins
Recent research indicates that animals have been able to distinguish colours for around 500 million years. This ability emerged earlier than the practical use of colours by organisms. A breakthrough occurred 100 million years ago.
13 November 2024 14:12
The latest studies published in "Biological Reviews" reveal that animals' ability to see colours appeared approximately 500 million years ago, which is earlier than when organisms started using colours for purposes such as reproduction.
Colours are crucial in animal communication, serving as warning or sexual signals. For instance, the peacock spreads its colourful tail to attract a mate, a key factor in sexual selection. Vibrant colouring can also deter predators by signalling the species' toxicity.
A team of scientists led by John J. Wiens from the University of Arizona analyzed the evolution of colour vision in animals. As reported by the Polish Press Agency, the research showed that the ability to recognize vivid colours like red, yellow, and blue appeared well before colourful flowers and fruits.
Animals learned to recognize colours about 500 million years ago. In contrast, colourful flowers and fruits began to appear approximately 100 million years later.
Scientists discovered that warning signals in the form of bright colours evolved before sexual signals and are now five times more common. Both evolved around 100 million years ago.
Interestingly, species using these signals do not always have well-developed vision or the ability to see colours. In the case of sexual signals, both males and females must be able to distinguish colours.
Wiens emphasizes that in plants, colourful signals serve two main functions: colourful flowers attract pollinators, and colourful fruits encourage animals to disperse seeds. The studies that were conducted highlight the critical role of colour vision in the evolution of animals and plants.
