Contribution of a visual pigment absorption spectrum to a visual function: depth perception in a jumping spider

• Nagata Takashi

  Laboratory of Neuroethology, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai)

• Arikawa Kentaro

  Laboratory of Neuroethology, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai)

• Terakita Akihisa

  Department of Biology and Geosciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University

Abstract

Absorption spectra of visual pigments are adaptively tuned to optimize informational capacity in most visual systems. Our recent investigation of the eyes of the jumping spider reveals an apparent exception: the absorption characteristics of a visual pigment cause defocusing of the image, reducing visual acuity generally in a part of the retina. However, the amount of defocus can theoretically provide a quantitative indication of the distance of an object. Therefore, we proposed a novel mechanism for depth perception in jumping spiders based on image defocus. Behavioral experiments revealed that the depth perception of the spider depended on the wavelength of the ambient light, which affects the amount of defocus because of chromatic aberration of the lens. This wavelength effect on depth perception was in close agreement with theoretical predictions based on our hypothesis. These data strongly support the hypothesis that the depth perception mechanism of jumping spiders is based on image defocus.<br>

Journal

• BIOPHYSICS

  BIOPHYSICS 9 (0), 85-89, 2013

  The Biophysical Society of Japan

Keywords

• Biophysics

Details

• CRID: 1390001205223464192
• NII Article ID: 130003366034
• DOI: 10.2142/biophysics.9.85
• ISSN: 13492942
• Web Site: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/biophysics/9/0/9_85/_pdf
• Text Lang: en
• Data Source:
  • JaLC
  • Crossref
  • CiNii Articles
  • KAKEN
• Abstract License Flag: Disallowed