Grating acuity of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

The grating acuity of the Mongolian gerbil was measured using a two-alternative forced-choice task in a jumping stand. Frequency-of-seeing curves generated by a modified method of limits indicated that the acuity of the gerbil for a horizontal square-wave grating is about 1.5-2.0 cycles/degree (c/deg) at 70 cd/m2, using the 70%- and 80%-correct levels of performance as criteria for defining acuity. The acuity for horizontal gratings is reliably better than that for vertical gratings, and this difference does not appear to be luminance-dependent. A corresponding orientation anisotropy is not seen in acquisition scores, nor is an 'oblique effect' evident. The acuity of the gerbil continues to increase with luminance into the (human) photopic range, suggesting the existence of a functional cone system. The gerbil visual system appears to be well adapted for detail vision in a diurnal lifestyle.