How Do Reindeer Eyes Detect Ultraviolet Light?

reindeer eyesIt shows an unusual color change depending on the season.

Scientists too This fascinating blue color in the reindeer’s eyesdiscovered that it evolved to find food in harsh environmental conditions. But what does blue eye have to do with finding food?

Scientists investigated how the blue color in reindeer eyes evolved.

These findings of enormous animals It offers important clues about life strategies. Dartmouth College and St. Researchers from the University of Andrews examined why reindeer’s eyes turn from gold-like yellow to blue during the winter months.

This change in harsh environmental conditions They determined that it was directly related to the need to find food. OK, but how?

Reindeer’s eyes have a special tissue called “tapetum lucidum”, just like cats.

This texture By increasing light in dark environments It improves night vision. However, the tapetum lucidum in the reindeer’s eyes evolved to be blue in order to adapt to the dark environments of Antarctica in winter.

Researches, reindeer feed mostly on lichen and this shows that lichens absorb ultraviolet rays. The blue tapetum lucidum tissue in their eyes also allows them to perceive ultraviolet rays better.

This adaptation allows reindeer to find lichens more easily while searching for food under the snow in winter.

The blue tissue in their eyes transmits 60 percent of ultraviolet rays to the eye, thus affecting their surroundings. It helps them see in purple tones. Surfaces that reflect ultraviolet rays appear bright to the reindeer, while surfaces that absorb them are perceived as dark.

This feature allows reindeer to detect food from a distance, thus searching for food under the snow They do not have to spend much energy for it.

To survive the harsh conditions of winter This change, which is quite important, reveals a view that affects people.

Our other content that may interest you: