TED-Ed: How do animals see in the dark? - Anna Stockl

The video explores how nocturnal animals have adapted their vision to see in low-light conditions. It explains the role of photoreceptors in detecting light and how different animals have evolved unique adaptations. Tarsiers have large eyes to gather more light, cats have a reflective layer to enhance photon detection, and toads have slow photoreceptors to collect more photons over time. Hawk moths group photoreceptors to see in color at night. These adaptations allow nocturnal animals to navigate and thrive in the dark.

What is the primary function of photoreceptors in the eyes of nocturnal animals?

• To produce heat

• To enhance smell

• To detect light particles

• To detect sound waves

How do tarsiers' large eyes benefit them in low-light conditions?

• They help in detecting sound

• They allow for better smell

• They produce more heat

• They gather more light

What is the role of the tapetum lucidum in cats' eyes?

• It enhances smell

• It generates heat

• It reflects light back to photoreceptors

• It produces sound

How do toads manage to form images with minimal light?

• By collecting photons over a longer period

• By using sound waves

• By using faster photoreceptors

• By having larger eyes

What unique adaptation allows hawk moths to see colors at night?

• They have larger eyes

• They group photoreceptor information

• They use sound waves

• They produce heat