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Polarization vision helps detect transparent prey

Nature volume 393, pages 222–223 (1998)Cite this article

Abstract

Transparency enables aquatic organisms to avoid detection by visual predators. But we have found that this camouflage can be broken using a visual mode evolved by several predators, such as squid. Under partially linearly polarized lighting, squid detect zooplankton prey at a distance 70% greater than those achieved under non-polarized illumination. The role of polarization sensitivity in predation is confirmed by squid's preference for transparent, yet polarization-active, targets that mimic their prey.

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Figure 1: Adult squid choices of glass beads that mimicked prey.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, 02543, Massachusetts, USA

    Nadav Shashar & Roger T. Hanlon

  2. Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, 02181, Massachusetts, USA

    Anne deM. Petz

Authors
  1. Nadav Shashar
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  2. Roger T. Hanlon
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  3. Anne deM. Petz
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Shashar, N., Hanlon, R. & Petz, A. Polarization vision helps detect transparent prey. Nature 393, 222–223 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/30380

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