Contrast sensitivity function and visual acuity of the opossum

The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the visual system of the opossum, D. marsupialis aurita, was determined using the amplitude of Visually Evoked Cortical Potentials (VECP) as response indicator. Stimuli consisted of a 180 degrees phase reversal of sinusoidally modulated gratings with an average luminance of 2.4 cd/m2. Contrast sensitivity was determined for various spatial frequencies and the MTF was calculated by the least square fit of an exponential function. The average acuity value obtained was 1.25 c/deg. The Fourier transform of the MTF was considered an approximation of the Line Spread Function of the visual system. The lowest value observed was 14 min of arc. The visual acuity observed in the mesopic range was not altered when stimulus intensity was raised to photopic levels.