Book 33, Question 104
Why do monkeys see more colors than dogs do?
Many primates, including people, have three kinds of color-sensing cells in their eyes.
That lets them see reds, greens, and blues. Scientists think this helps them spot ripe fruit among green leaves, or tender young leaves, which are often reddish. Seeing more colors helped primates find better food. Many other mammals see fewer colors than primates do.
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Quick answers
Why do monkeys see more colors than dogs do?
Humans and a few other primate species are trichromatic , which means they have three kinds of cones.
Source: akc.org
More fun facts
- Dogs, and some color-blind people, are missing red-green cones.
- Dogs can make out yellow and blue, and combinations of those colors.
- Dogs have more rods than cones in their retina, whereas people have more cones, and this apparently makes the difference in color perception.
- Dogs are able to distinguish yellow and blue from green, which may explain why they prefer yellow tennis balls over toys of different colors.
Sources: akc.org