PSYCH 1XX3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Ganglion Cell, Two-Streams Hypothesis, Color Blindness
23 Jan 2018
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Document Summary
Colour exists as our way of interpreting light waves. Colour reflects different wavelengths on the light spectrum. Colour adds to the richness of our visual experience. Colour has a purpose beyond adding richness to aesthetics. Not all living things see in colour. Primates are the only mammals that see in colour, including humans. The functions of colour vision in different species. Primates benefit from colour vision when foraging for food. Primates have 3 different types of cones in the eye that distinguish colour. Many birds, fish and insects (flies) are able to see colours that humans can"t - including colour on the uv end of the spectrum. Colour vision is critical for mate selection in birds. Bees see ultraviolet hues on flowers that act as nectar maps. We process colour similar to how artists mix colour pigments. Three colours that can be combined in various proportions to make every colour in the spectrum.
