Human color vision is based on three types of cone cells (trichromatic vision) that detect red, green, and blue wavelengths. However, color perception varies significantly across species:
- Birds and some reptiles have tetrachromatic vision with four types of cone cells, allowing them to see ultraviolet light
- Most mammals are dichromatic, having only two types of cone cells
- Dogs and cats see fewer colors than humans, mainly blues and yellows
- Butterflies have the most complex color vision, with up to 15 different photoreceptors
These differences evolved based on each species’ survival needs and environmental adaptations.