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Evolution of the tapetum.

Ivan R Schwab1, Carlton K Yuen, Nedim C Buyukmihci

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Davis, Medical Center, USA.

Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society
|January 28, 2003
PubMed
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The tapetum, a light-reflecting structure in animal eyes, evolved independently in vertebrates and invertebrates during the Devonian period. Different tapetal mechanisms reflect wavelengths crucial for each species

Area of Science:

  • Comparative anatomy and evolutionary biology
  • Ocular structures and visual adaptations

Background:

  • The tapetum is a biological optical device found in the eyes of many vertebrates and some invertebrates.
  • It functions to increase light available to photoreceptors, thereby improving vision in low-light conditions.
  • Diverse tapetal structures and mechanisms exist across different taxa, suggesting multiple evolutionary origins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare and contrast the known mechanisms of various tapeta.
  • To review the evolutionary history and implications of tapetum development.
  • To investigate the independent evolution of the tapetum in different animal groups.

Main Methods:

  • Histological examination of ocular specimens from diverse species, including fish, reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Classification and comparison of all known tapetal types.
  • Analysis of evolutionary cladograms to correlate tapetum evolution with species phylogeny.

    • Main Results:

    • Identified tapetal types include tapetum cellulosum, tapetum fibrosum, retinal tapetum, invertebrate pigmented tapetum, and invertebrate thin-film tapetum.
    • Histological analysis confirmed diverse tapetal structures and light-reflection mechanisms (e.g., thin-film interference, Mie scattering).
    • Evidence suggests the tapetum evolved independently at least three times, originating in the Devonian period (345-395 million years ago).

    Conclusions:

    • Tapeta in invertebrates and vertebrates exhibit varied physical reflection mechanisms, each optimized for specific ecological niches.
    • The independent evolution of the tapetum in both invertebrates and vertebrates during the Devonian period is hypothesized.
    • This evolutionary event coincided with a significant diversification of life forms.