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Published on: February 26, 2016
Ultraviolet-sensitive vision in long-lived birds.
Livia S Carvalho1, Ben Knott, Mathew L Berg
1UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|July 30, 2010
Summary
Long-lived parrots, macaws, and cockatoos possess UV-sensitive (UVS) pigments, enabling them to see ultraviolet light. This ubiquitous trait in Psittaciformes suggests adaptation to potential long-term UV damage.
Area of Science:
- Avian vision
- Photobiology
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- Long-term ultraviolet (UV) light exposure causes damage.
- Mammalian UV vision is limited; human eyes block most UV radiation.
- Some long-lived birds have UV-sensitive (UVS) pigments, unlike humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate UVS pigment prevalence in long-lived parrots (Psittaciformes).
- Assess UV sensitivity in macaws and cockatoos.
- Determine if these birds cope with chronic UV exposure effects.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed SWS1 opsin gene sequences from 14 parrot species.
- Conducted in vitro regeneration assays.
- Evaluated lens transparency.
Main Results:
- All 14 investigated parrot species possess the key genetic substitution for UVS pigments.
- In vitro data and lens transparency confirmed UV sensitivity.
- Psittaciformes are the only avian order with ubiquitous UVS pigments.
Conclusions:
- Long-lived parrots, macaws, and cockatoos possess ubiquitous UV sensitivity.
- This UV sensitivity exists despite the inherent risks of photodamage.
- Psittaciformes exhibit a unique adaptation to long-term UV exposure within the avian class.
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