Mantis shrimp
Mantis shrimp boast the most complex visual system in the animal kingdom, with some estimates suggesting up to 16 photoreceptor types in their eyes compared to our mere 3. This translates to an unparalleled ability to see a vast spectrum of colors, potentially including ultraviolet and infrared light. Unlike us, mantis shrimp can also detect the polarization of light, giving them access to a whole new visual dimension. They can even perceive depth with just one eye, a feat achieved through a unique evolutionary adaptation. Each of their eyes is mounted on a mobile stalk, allowing for independent movement and an expansive view of their surroundings. The way mantis shrimp utilize this complex visual information is still being explored, but it’s clear that they experience the world in a way far more comprehensive than we can even imagine.
