Animal color vision evolved 500 million years earlier than flowers
Recent research indicates that animals have been able to distinguish colors for about 500 million years. This ability emerged well before organisms practically used colors. However, a significant breakthrough occurred around 100 million years ago.
9:33 AM EST, November 13, 2024
The latest studies published in "Biological Reviews" reveal that the ability to see colors in animals developed about 500 million years ago, which predates organisms using colors for purposes such as reproduction.
Colors play a crucial role in animal communication, serving both as warning signals and in sexual selection. For example, a peacock displays its colorful tail to attract a mate, which is essential for sexual selection. Intense coloration can also deter predators by indicating a species' toxicity.
A team of scientists, John J. Wiens from the University of Arizona, analyzed the evolution of color vision in animals. Their research demonstrated that the ability to recognize vivid colors such as red, yellow, or blue appeared much earlier than the existence of colorful flowers and fruits.
Animals developed the ability to recognize colors about 500 million years ago, whereas colorful flowers and fruits appeared approximately 100 million years later.
Scientists found that warning signals, often in bright colors, evolved before sexual signals and are now five times more common. Both types of signals only emerged about 100 million years ago.
Interestingly, species that use these signals do not always have advanced vision or the ability to perceive colors. In the case of sexual signals, both males and females must distinguish colors.
Wiens points out that in plants, colorful signals serve two main functions: flowers use vibrant colors to attract pollinators, while colorful fruits encourage animals to disperse seeds. The research underscores the significant role that color vision has played in the evolution of both animals and plants.
