Color and Vision: The Evolution of Eyes and Perception

In this richly illustrated book, veteran science author Parker (Evolution: The Whole Story) details the evolution of vision over billions of years via the development of multiple types of eyes. Light is essential to vision, as it allows eyes to detect colors, shapes, and patterns%E2%80%94signals that the brain receives and makes into conscious awareness via the "mind's eye." Parker provides a guided tour of animal eyes in five concise chapters. "An eye should be capable of receiving, responding to, and comparing light rays coming from different directions to form an image," he writes, distinguishing the organ from other light-sensing organs. The evolution of image-forming eyes accelerated some 541 to 485 million years ago, during the evolutionary bonanza called the Cambrian explosion. Parker discusses the ways that eyes have used light over time, covering the multitude of eyes found in the animal kingdom with references that include stingrays, mammals, arachnids, and mollusks. Light and vision helped species develop fantastic natural colors and traits such as mimicry, depth perception, and camouflage. Beautiful, full-color photographs accompany this accessible book, which is recommended for anyone interested in science and evolution. (Sept.)