The Vertebrate Eye and its Adaptive Radiation

Abstract

LIMITATION of vision to a narrow range of wavelengths of radiation is manifestly related to the absorption of radiant energy by protein and water. The importance of light as a directive agent is associated with a wide range of light detectors in invertebrates. As the pineal eye is relatively unimportant in vertebrates, these devices are crystallized in the two lateral eyes. These lateral eyes show a wonderful variety in structure and versatility in action. The whole subject of the vertebrate eye is discussed by Dr. Walls in his excellent book, which is a mine of information about the eyes of all sorts of vertebrates. The Vertebrate Eye and its Adaptive Radiation By Gordon Lynn Walls. (Bulletin No. 19.) Pp. xiv+785. (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.: Cranbrook Institute of Science, 1942.) 6.50 dollars.