Pentachromacy

Pentachromacy is a condition of possessing five independent channels for conveying color information, or having five different types of color receptors in the eyes. Organisms with pentachromacy are called pentachromats.

Overview

In many species, the capability of color vision extends into the ultraviolet. This is usually achieved through a fourth color receptor besides the normal three which in humans determine our range of color. However, some animals have been suspected to have a fifth color receptor and are thus potentially pentachromatic. For example, some birds and turtles are suspected to have pentachromacy.

In Humans

Humans are normally trichromats, but recent research suggests that women might have the potential for pentachromacy due to a genetic variation on the X chromosome. While most humans are trichromatic (having three color receptors in their eyes), some women might have four or even possibly five color receptors and are, therefore, tetrachromats or possibly pentachromats.

In Animals

Certain species of birds, like the zebra finch and the budgerigar, are suspected to be pentachromatic. They have been shown to have five different types of color receptors in their eyes. These birds can see colors that are invisible to humans. Some species of turtles, like the painted turtle, are also suspected to be pentachromatic.

See Also

• Tetrachromacy
• Color vision
• Human eye
• Zebra Finch
• Budgerigar
• Painted Turtle

References

Pentachromacy Resources
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