Color Vision Evolution Quiz

What was the color vision capability of our primate ancestors 23 million years ago?

• They had the same color vision as humans today.

• They could see all colors.

• They could only see in black and white.

• They were red-green color blind.

What are opsins and where are they located?

• Opsins are proteins located in the brain.

• Opsins are cells located in the skin.

• Opsins are genes located in the DNA.

• Opsins are proteins located in the retina.

How did the third opsin gene evolve according to scientists?

• It was a result of environmental changes.

• It evolved from a duplicated old opsin gene with mutations.

• It was created from scratch.

• It was borrowed from another species.

What was the result of implanting a third opsin gene into Sam, the squirrel monkey?

• Sam remained color blind.

• Sam could now see in black and white.

• Sam gained the ability to distinguish between reds and greens.

• Sam lost all color vision.

What evolutionary advantage did the ability to see a broad range of colors provide to our ancestors?

• It improved their night vision.

• It allowed them to communicate better.

• It made it easier to find ripe fruits and young leaves.

• It helped them avoid predators.