Shark Vision: It's a Black and White World

A great white shark. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Interesting research out of Australia analyzed the cell types in the eyes of 17 species of sharks, and found the the predators are largely color blind. The find is significant because it could help developers create new fishing industry equipment and water activity gear to reduce shark attacks based on visibility.

The researchers, from the University of Western Australia and the University of Queensland, looked for different types of cone cells in shark eyes. Humans have three different types of cones that enable us to receive and process blue, green, or red light waves. Sharks have only one cone, meaning they do not have the ability to distinguish between colors.