A possible reason to see the colors
2006/02/13 Roa Zubia, Guillermo - Elhuyar Zientzia
Primates see it in colors. For this purpose, they have special conical cells in the eye, in the retina. These cells differentiate the rays of light depending on the wavelength, that is, they distinguish the colors, so the primates can distinguish things of different colors, which has supposed a great advantage in the evolution. It is clear. The scientists themselves are primates and, therefore, not only understand how color vision occurs, but also the advantages of primates in interaction with the environment. But, to a large extent, it is the art of wondering why and for what science, and on that path, scientists intend to take a further step in the field of color vision, responding to the question of why color vision was developed in evolution. Perhaps this question is not asked in the most appropriate way, because evolution has no intention. But the question can be asked differently: What caused the success of color vision? Today, scientists have released several responses. One of the most accepted hypotheses is that one of the advantages of color vision is the detection of food, such as fruit from fruit trees. Furthermore, the color also informs the primate of the state of the food, for example if this fruit is ripe or not ripe. But this response is not the only one. This proposal, made by researchers from the prestigious American research center Caltech, has been based on the color of the skin. The color of the skin varies according to the subcutaneous blood, both for color and for the amount of blood. The same are not very sudden changes, but primates perceive them well. In fact, primates 'read' emotional changes when the surfaces of others change color; they are frightened, for example, by seeing the pale face. According to Calteche's scientists, the vision of primates is especially sensitive to these color changes. Many experiments have been carried out to confirm it, but, in the end, what contributed to the separation of colors? Looking for food? Perceiving emotional changes? Who knows. It is difficult to say. Research takes into account the previous hypotheses and does not always reject them. And in this case, as in other occasions, scientists have been prudent. According to this research, the detection of emotions had a great importance in the development of color vision. But it is just another hypothesis.
