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Blary CLM, Duriez O, Bonadonna F, Mitkus M, Caro SP, Besnard A, Potier S. Low achromatic contrast sensitivity in birds: a common attribute shared by many phylogenetic orders. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246342. [PMID: 38099472 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Vision is an important sensory modality in birds, which can outperform other vertebrates in some visual abilities. However, sensitivity to achromatic contrasts - the ability to discern luminance difference between two objects or an object and its background - has been shown to be lower in birds compared with other vertebrates. We conducted a comparative study to evaluate the achromatic contrast sensitivity of 32 bird species from 12 orders using the optocollic reflex technique. We then performed an analysis to test for potential variability in contrast sensitivity depending on the corneal diameter to the axial length ratio, a proxy of the retinal image brightness. To account for potential influences of evolutionary relatedness, we included phylogeny in our analyses. We found a low achromatic contrast sensitivity for all avian species studied compared with other vertebrates (except small mammals), with high variability between species. This variability is partly related to phylogeny but appears to be independent of image brightness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance L M Blary
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 34293 Montpellier, France
- Agence de l'environnement et de la Maîtrise de l'Energie 20, 49004 Angers Cedex 01, France
| | - Olivier Duriez
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Mindaugas Mitkus
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, 10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Samuel P Caro
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélien Besnard
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE PSL University, IRD, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Simon Potier
- Lund Vision Group, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund 22362, Sweden
- Les Ailes de l'Urga, 27320 Marcilly la Campagne, France
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2
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Wibble T, Pansell T, Grillner S, Pérez-Fernández J. Conserved subcortical processing in visuo-vestibular gaze control. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4699. [PMID: 35948549 PMCID: PMC9365791 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32379-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gaze stabilization compensates for movements of the head or external environment to minimize image blurring. Multisensory information stabilizes the scene on the retina via the vestibulo-ocular (VOR) and optokinetic (OKR) reflexes. While the organization of neuronal circuits underlying VOR is well-described across vertebrates, less is known about the contribution and evolution of the OKR and the basic structures allowing visuo-vestibular integration. To analyze these neuronal pathways underlying visuo-vestibular integration, we developed a setup using a lamprey eye-brain-labyrinth preparation, which allowed coordinating electrophysiological recordings, vestibular stimulation with a moving platform, and visual stimulation via screens. Lampreys exhibit robust visuo-vestibular integration, with optokinetic information processed in the pretectum that can be downregulated from tectum. Visual and vestibular inputs are integrated at several subcortical levels. Additionally, saccades are present in the form of nystagmus. Thus, all basic components of the visuo-vestibular control of gaze were present already at the dawn of vertebrate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wibble
- The Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Marianne Bernadotte Centrum, St: Erik's Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tony Pansell
- The Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Marianne Bernadotte Centrum, St: Erik's Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sten Grillner
- The Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juan Pérez-Fernández
- The Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- CINBIO, Universidade de Vigo, Neurocircuits Group, Campus universitario Lagoas, Marcosende, 36310, Vigo, Spain.
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3
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Ryan LA, Slip DJ, Chapuis L, Collin SP, Gennari E, Hemmi JM, How MJ, Huveneers C, Peddemors VM, Tosetto L, Hart NS. A shark's eye view: testing the 'mistaken identity theory' behind shark bites on humans. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210533. [PMID: 34699727 PMCID: PMC8548079 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Shark bites on humans are rare but are sufficiently frequent to generate substantial public concern, which typically leads to measures to reduce their frequency. Unfortunately, we understand little about why sharks bite humans. One theory for bites occurring at the surface, e.g. on surfers, is that of mistaken identity, whereby sharks mistake humans for their typical prey (pinnipeds in the case of white sharks). This study tests the mistaken identity theory by comparing video footage of pinnipeds, humans swimming and humans paddling surfboards, from the perspective of a white shark viewing these objects from below. Videos were processed to reflect how a shark's retina would detect the visual motion and shape cues. Motion cues of humans swimming, humans paddling surfboards and pinnipeds swimming did not differ significantly. The shape of paddled surfboards and human swimmers was also similar to that of pinnipeds with their flippers abducted. The difference in shape between pinnipeds with abducted versus adducted flippers was bigger than between pinnipeds with flippers abducted and surfboards or human swimmers. From the perspective of a white shark, therefore, neither visual motion nor shape cues allow an unequivocal visual distinction between pinnipeds and humans, supporting the mistaken identity theory behind some bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Ryan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - David J Slip
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradley's Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
| | - Lucille Chapuis
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Shaun P Collin
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Enrico Gennari
- Oceans Research Institute, Mossel Bay 6500, South Africa.,South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa.,Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Jan M Hemmi
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Oceans Institute, M092, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Martin J How
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Charlie Huveneers
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Victor M Peddemors
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
| | - Louise Tosetto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Nathan S Hart
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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4
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Tkatchenko TV, Tkatchenko AV. Genome-wide analysis of retinal transcriptome reveals common genetic network underlying perception of contrast and optical defocus detection. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:153. [PMID: 34107987 PMCID: PMC8190860 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-01005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refractive eye development is regulated by optical defocus in a process of emmetropization. Excessive exposure to negative optical defocus often leads to the development of myopia. However, it is still largely unknown how optical defocus is detected by the retina. METHODS Here, we used genome-wide RNA-sequencing to conduct analysis of the retinal gene expression network underlying contrast perception and refractive eye development. RESULTS We report that the genetic network subserving contrast perception plays an important role in optical defocus detection and emmetropization. Our results demonstrate an interaction between contrast perception, the retinal circadian clock pathway and the signaling pathway underlying optical defocus detection. We also observe that the relative majority of genes causing human myopia are involved in the processing of optical defocus. CONCLUSIONS Together, our results support the hypothesis that optical defocus is perceived by the retina using contrast as a proxy and provide new insights into molecular signaling underlying refractive eye development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrei V. Tkatchenko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Research Annex Room 415, 635 W. 165th Street, New York, NY 10032 USA
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5
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Schluessel V, Rick IP, Seifert FD, Baumann C, Lee Davies WI. Not just shades of grey: life is full of colour for the ocellate river stingray (Potamotrygon motoro). J Exp Biol 2021; 224:237826. [PMID: 33771913 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.226142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that marine stingrays have the anatomical and physiological basis for colour vision, with cone spectral sensitivity in the blue to green range of the visible spectrum. Behavioural studies on Glaucostegus typus also showed that blue and grey can be perceived and discriminated. The present study is the first to assess visual opsin genetics in the ocellate river stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) and test whether individuals perceive colour in two alternative forced choice experiments. Retinal transcriptome profiling using RNA-Seq and quantification demonstrated the presence of lws and rh2 cone opsin genes and a highly expressed single rod (rh1) opsin gene. Spectral tuning analysis predicted these vitamin A1-based visual photopigments to exhibit spectral absorbance maxima at 461 nm (rh2), 496 nm (rh1) and 555 nm (lws); suggesting the presence of dichromacy in this species. Indeed, P. motoro demonstrates the potential to be equally sensitive to wavelengths from 380 to 600 nm of the visible spectrum. Behavioural results showed that red and green plates, as well as blue and yellow plates, were readily discriminated based on colour; however, brightness differences also played a part in the discrimination of blue and yellow. Red hues of different brightness were distinguished significantly above chance level from one another. In conclusion, the genetic and behavioural results support prior data on marine stingrays. However, this study suggests that freshwater stingrays of the family Potamotrygonidae may have a visual colour system that has ecologically adapted to a riverine habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Schluessel
- Institute of Zoology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Poppelsdorfer Schloss, Meckenheimer Allee 169, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ingolf P Rick
- Institute of Zoology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Poppelsdorfer Schloss, Meckenheimer Allee 169, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Friederike Donata Seifert
- Institute of Zoology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Poppelsdorfer Schloss, Meckenheimer Allee 169, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Baumann
- Institute of Zoology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Poppelsdorfer Schloss, Meckenheimer Allee 169, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Wayne Iwan Lee Davies
- Institute of Zoology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Poppelsdorfer Schloss, Meckenheimer Allee 169, 53115 Bonn, Germany.,Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.,School of Life Sciences, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
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6
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Drerup C, How MJ. Polarization contrasts and their effect on the gaze stabilization of crustaceans. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:237796. [PMID: 33692078 PMCID: PMC8077661 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.229898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Many animals go to great lengths to stabilize their eyes relative to the visual scene and do so to enhance the localization of moving objects and to functionally partition the visual system relative to the outside world. An important cue that is used to control these stabilization movements is contrast within the visual surround. Previous studies on insects, spiders and fish have shown that gaze stabilization is achromatic (‘colour blind’), meaning that chromatic contrast alone (in the absence of apparent intensity contrasts) does not contribute to gaze stabilization. Following the assumption that polarization vision is analogous in many ways to colour vision, the present study shows that five different crustacean species do not use the polarization of light alone for gaze stabilization, despite being able to use this modality for detecting predator-like objects. This work therefore suggests that the gaze stabilization in many crustaceans cannot be elicited by the polarization of light alone. Summary: Five different crustacean species do not use the polarization of light alone for gaze stabilization, despite being able to use this modality for detecting predator-like objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Drerup
- CCMAR (Centro de Ciências do Mar), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.,Marine Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Martin J How
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
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7
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Vision in sharks and rays: Opsin diversity and colour vision. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 106:12-19. [PMID: 32331993 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The visual sense of elasmobranch fishes is poorly studied compared to their bony cousins, the teleosts. Nevertheless, the elasmobranch eye features numerous specialisations that have no doubt facilitated the diversification and evolutionary success of this fascinating taxon. In this review, I highlight recent discoveries on the nature and phylogenetic distribution of visual pigments in sharks and rays. Whereas most rays appear to be cone dichromats, all sharks studied to date are cone monochromats and, as a group, have likely abandoned colour vision on multiple occasions. This situation in sharks mirrors that seen in other large marine predators, the pinnipeds and cetaceans, which leads us to reassess the costs and benefits of multiple cone pigments and wavelength discrimination in the marine environment.
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8
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Peel LR, Collin SP, Hart NS. Retinal topography and spectral sensitivity of the Port Jackson shark (
Heterodontus portusjacksoni
). J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:2831-2847. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R. Peel
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
- The Oceans Institute University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
- The Oceans Graduate School University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Shaun P. Collin
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
- The Oceans Institute University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
- The Oceans Graduate School University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria Australia
| | - Nathan S. Hart
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University Sydney New South Wales Australia
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9
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Znotinas KR, Standen EM. Aerial and aquatic visual acuity of the grey bichir Polypterus senegalus, as estimated by optokinetic response. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 95:263-273. [PMID: 29956322 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study assessed the aerial and aquatic visual abilities of juvenile grey bichir Polypterus senegalus, fish capable of terrestrial locomotion, by measuring the optokinetic response to stimuli of varying speed and spatial frequency. In water, fish tracked slow-moving (2° s-1 ) stimuli moderately well and fast-moving stimuli very poorly. Spatial acuity was very low compared with many other species, with maximum response observed at 0.05-0.075 stimulus cycles per degree of visual arc; however, it should be noted that adult fish, with their larger eyes, are likely to have somewhat improved spatial acuity. Low spatial acuity and limited stimulus tracking ability might be expected in a nocturnal ambush predator such as P. senegalus, where gaze stabilization may be less crucial and other sensory inputs may have greater importance in perception of the environment. In air, spatial and temporal acuity were both poorer by every measure, but some visual ability persisted. As the eye shows no anatomical specialization for aerial vision, poor vision was expected; however, the large decrease in saccade velocity observed in air trials was unexpected. Stimulus parameters typically have little effect on the characteristics of the saccade, so this finding may suggest that the function of the reflex system itself could be compromised in the aerial vision of some fishes capable of terrestrial locomotion.
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10
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Gurley M, Motta P. An Analysis of Extraocular Muscle Forces in the Piked Dogfish (Squalus acanthias). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 302:837-844. [PMID: 30312010 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrates utilize six extraocular muscles that attach to a tough, protective sclera to rotate the eye. The goal of the study was to describe the maximum tetanic forces, as well as the torques produced by the six extraocular muscles of the piked dogfish Squalus acanthias to understand the forces exerted on the eye. The lateral rectus extraocular muscle of Squalus acanthias was determined to be parallel fibered with the muscle fibers bundled into discrete fascicles. The extraocular muscles attach to the sclera by muscular insertions. The total tensile forces generated by the extraocular muscles ranged from 1.18 N to 2.21 N. The torques of the extraocular muscles ranged from 0.39 N to 2.34 N. The torques were greatest in the principal direction of movement for each specific muscle. The lateral rectus produced the greatest total tensile force, as well as the greatest torque force component, while the medial rectus produced the second greatest. This is likely due to the constant rotational movement of the eye anteriorly and posteriorly to stabilize the visual image, as well as increase the effective visual field during swimming. Rotational forces in dimensions other than the primary direction of movement may contribute to motion in directions other than the principal direction during multi-muscle contraction that occurs in the vertebrate eye. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 302:837-844, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Gurley
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Philip Motta
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
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11
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Collin SP. Scene through the eyes of an apex predator: a comparative analysis of the shark visual system. Clin Exp Optom 2018; 101:624-640. [PMID: 30066959 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The eyes of apex predators, such as the shark, have fascinated comparative visual neuroscientists for hundreds of years with respect to how they perceive the dark depths of their ocean realm or the visual scene in search of prey. As the earliest representatives of the first stage in the evolution of jawed vertebrates, sharks have an important role to play in our understanding of the evolution of the vertebrate eye, including that of humans. This comprehensive review covers the structure and function of all the major ocular components in sharks and how they are adapted to a range of underwater light environments. A comparative approach is used to identify: species-specific diversity in the perception of clear optical images; photoreception for various visual behaviours; the trade-off between image resolution and sensitivity; and visual processing under a range of levels of illumination. The application of this knowledge is also discussed with respect to the conservation of this important group of cartilaginous fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun P Collin
- The Oceans Institute and the Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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12
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Food approach conditioning and discrimination learning using sound cues in benthic sharks. Anim Cogn 2018; 21:481-492. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-018-1183-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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13
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Electrophysiological measures of temporal resolution, contrast sensitivity and spatial resolving power in sharks. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2017; 203:197-210. [DOI: 10.1007/s00359-017-1154-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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