News: Research; snakes; sea snakes; evolution; vision; marine life
Evolution of colour vision in sea snakes
New research has revealed the evolution of colour vision in front-fanged snakes following their transition from terrestrial to fully marine environments, and for the first time, provided evidence of where, when and how frequently the species have adapted their ability to see in colour. The research suggests sea snakes’ vision has been modifying genetically over millions of generations, enabling them to adapt to new environments and meaning they can continue to see prey – and predators – deep below the sea surface.
