Are eyes the only input to animal vision?

In summary, there is emerging technology that allows individuals to use sensors on their tongues to input visual information. This is similar to how dolphins, bats, whales, and some birds use echolocation to sense objects and space around them. Additionally, there is research on cryptochrome proteins in birds that allow them to "see" magnetic fields. However, it is not recommended to put high voltage batteries in one's mouth as this can cause harm and is not an effective way to utilize this technology.
  • #1
Ouabache
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
1,346
8
We already know about echolocation, using the ears to sense objects and space around us (also dolphins, bats, whales and some birds are quite good at this).. But how about using a sensor on our tongue to input visual information. Here is a Scientific American article describing this technology. Here is one user of such a device. :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes Garlic and Drakkith
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
This is truly an interesting topic.
A friend of mine explained me one of the findings of Aziz Sancar, the cryptochrome proteins, which allow birds to "see" magnetic fields. He told me that the birds are percieving the Earth's magnetic field visually by seeing blue light when they are aligned to the Earth's magnetic field.
Other than that, I have seen someone who put a high voltage battery in his mouth, and then he saw some sort of light. (This is a very stupid thing to do) This effect is very similar to the video you posted, the parts in your mouth aren't electrically insulated, and some of the electricity can flow undisturbed to the receptors in the brain. This means you can't do this using your skin with a battery, because electricity can't flow through the barriers to your brain, well, unless you are touching household current directly.
 
  • Like
Likes Ouabache

1. What is the role of eyes in animal vision?

Eyes are the primary sensory organs responsible for receiving and transmitting visual information to the brain. They contain specialized cells called photoreceptors, which are sensitive to light and convert it into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as images.

2. Are there any animals that do not rely on eyes for vision?

Yes, there are certain animals such as blind cavefish and some species of deep-sea fish that have evolved to rely on other sensory organs, such as lateral line systems or electroreceptors, for vision in their dark environments.

3. Can animals see colors like humans?

While most animals have some form of color vision, the range of colors they can see and the way they perceive them may differ from humans. For example, dogs have limited color vision compared to humans, and some birds can see ultraviolet light that is invisible to humans.

4. Do all animals have the same types of eyes?

No, the structure and function of eyes vary greatly among different animal species. For instance, some animals have compound eyes, which are made up of many smaller units that each contribute to forming an image, while others have simple eyes with a single lens.

5. How do animals with eyes adapt to different environments?

Animals with eyes have evolved various adaptations to suit their specific environments. For example, animals living in water have eyes that are adapted to see underwater, while those living in bright environments have structures like a tapetum lucidum that reflect light and enhance their vision in low-light conditions.

Similar threads

Replies
16
Views
3K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
21
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
861
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top