PSYCH 1XX3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Color Vision, Red, Retina

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH 1XX3
• Professor: Joe Kim

Document Summary

Colour exists as our way of interpreting light waves. Objects reflect certain wavelengths of visible spectrum. Different wavelengths of light affect certain cones in our retina. Wavelengths trigger specific patterns of response in our brains. Gives rise to subjective experience of colour. Colour adds the richness of our visual experience. Colour has a purpose beyond adding richness to aesthetics. Unit 2: evolution of colour vision why and who. Bulls respond red capes because of the motion, not the colour. Primates are the only mammals that see in colour. Birds, fish, reptiles, insects have great colour vison. Primates are the only mammals with colour vision. Insects" vision is esp sensitive to short wavelengths in uv spectrum. Primates benefit form colour vision when foraging for food. Have 3 types of cones in eye for colour. Good for distinguishing red & yellow against green background. Colour vision is critical for mate selection in birds.