[I published this blog piece originally on June 25, 2021. Since then, it became the most read item in the “Curator’s Corner.” Here it is again, for your enjoyment.]
The wavy, or w-shaped cuttlefish eye has been recently in the news, as scientists keep researching the unique features and properties of cephalopod eyes. Cuttlefish eyes can perform functions that are similar to those in vertebrates, such as the refined three-dimensional vision that allows them to accurately estimate distance and speed of fast-moving prey.
Three-dimensional, or stereoscopic vision in cuttlefish is greatly aided by their ability to swivel their eyes back-and-forth, a talent unknown in other cephalopods. Cuttlefish have only one kind of photoreceptor, but their w-shaped retina allows them to distinguish color wavelengths differently, using polarization of light instead of the distinct kinds of photoreceptors for color vision present in humans and other vertebrates. Read more about cuttlefish here.
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