Recent research suggests that humans possess unique neural circuits for color vision that may have evolved specifically for enhanced perception of blue hues. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examined the retina connections in humans compared to those in two monkey species: the Old World macaque and the New World common marmoset. Led by scientists from the University of Washington and collaborator institutions, the researchers used fine-scale microscopy to analyze the foveal retina, which is crucial for sharp vision and color perception.
They discovered a distinct short-wave cone circuit in humans that is absent in marmosets and differs from that of macaques. This finding indicates that the evolution of human color vision involves specialized neural wiring not present in these other primates, suggesting a recent evolutionary adaptation. The research also posits that environmental adaptations, such as the need to identify ripe fruit in complex forest lighting, may have influenced these neural differences. Understanding these unique connections can shed light on the evolution of perception and behavior across species. This study contributes to the broader field of comparative neuroscience, exploring how the structure of nerve cell circuits varies among different mammals.
