The spectral transmission of ocular media suggests ultraviolet sensitivity is widespread among mammals.

ABSTRACT: Although ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity is widespread among animals it is considered rare in mammals, being restricted to the few species that have a visual pigment maximally sensitive (λmax) below 400 nm. However, even animals without such a pigment will be UV-sensitive if they have ocular media that transmit these wavelengths, as all visual pigments absorb significant amounts of UV if the energy level is sufficient. Although it is known that lenses of diurnal sciurid rodents, tree shrews and primates prevent UV from reaching the retina, the degree of UV transmission by ocular media of most other mammals without a visual pigment with λmax in the UV is unknown. We examined lenses of 38 mammalian species from 25 families in nine orders and observed large diversity in the degree of short-wavel

SUBMITTER: Douglas RH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4027392 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature