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Multifocal lenses in a monochromat: the harbour seal

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Author

Summary, in English

Previous photorefractive results from harbour seals indicated the presence of a multifocal lens. This was surprising because the evolution of multifocal lenses has served to compensate for chromatic aberration in animals with colour vision, which harbour seals as monochromats should not be capable of. To gain insight into the lens optics of these animals, we extended our photorefractive measurements in live seals under water and in air and, additionally, analyzed eight extracted juvenile harbour seal lenses with schlieren photography and a laser scanning technique. The results from all methods applied support the presence of multifocal lenses in harbour seals. However, the functional significance of multiple focal lengths in harbour seal lenses remains speculative. Interestingly, the slit pupils of harbour seals cannot be considered to be an adaptation to the multifocal optical system of the eye.

Department/s

Publishing year

2008

Language

English

Pages

3315-3322

Publication/Series

Journal of Experimental Biology

Volume

211

Issue

20

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

The Company of Biologists Ltd

Topic

  • Zoology

Keywords

  • lens
  • harbour seal
  • Phoca vitulina
  • multifocal

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1477-9145