Beyond Human Sight: Exploring Amazing Animal Vision

Did you know that some animals see the world in ways that we humans can only imagine? The mantis shrimp, for instance, has one of the most advanced eyes in the animal kingdom, with twelve to sixteen different types of photoreceptor cells—way more than humans! This super vision allows them to see ultraviolet and polarized light, which helps them navigate the colorful underwater world and spot prey and predators. Meanwhile, snakes use infrared vision to track warm-blooded animals in total darkness, and reindeer can see ultraviolet light, which helps them find food and detect threats in snowy landscapes. Some spiders even have a 360-degree view of the world around them, and some birds have telescopic vision to better spot their prey!

Imagine if humans had these abilities—how different would our world look? In this Skillbuilder, you’ll get a chance to explore the amazing ways animals see and think creatively about vision beyond what our eyes can detect.

1. Pick your animal vision
   Choose an animal with an interesting type of vision. Maybe it’s the mantis shrimp with its incredible color range, a snake with infrared heat vision, or a chameleon whose eyes move independently of each other.

2. Imagine what this vision looks like
   Describe what you think it would be like to look through these animal’s eyes. How would colors, heat, or even shapes appear differently than they do with normal human vision?

3. Think of a way to use your new super vision in the real world
   Now think of a way you could use this vision to help solve a problem or improve something! In a few sentences, write out how this super vision would make a difference. Be specific—explain what you’d be able to do, what kinds of things you’d notice, and why it would make things better! Here are a few ideas:

   1. For example, Business Idea: Could a business use this vision to improve their products or help their customers in unique ways? For example, maybe infrared vision could help a security company detect movement in the dark!

   2. Another example, Community Improvement: Imagine how a community service might be improved, like using ultraviolet vision to spot safety issues or pollution that’s invisible to the human eye.

   3. Or, perhaps a Personal Goal: How could this new vision help you in your own life? Could it help you in a hobby, like art, sports, or photography?

Your Task:
Explain the animal you chose, what it would be like to have their vision, and how you would use this vision in the real world.