Trichromatic vs. Tetrachromatic vision, image by Dr. Klaus Schmitt, Weinheim, Germany.
The above image is a rough representation of trichromatic and tetrachromatic vision (i.e. human vs. bird/insect vision; the latter includes the ultraviolet spectrum).
There have been assumed (Claude Monet) and now confirmed (Alek Komar) cases of tetrachromatic vision occuring in human individuals suffering from either aphakia (lack of intraocular lens) or pseudoaphakia (replacement of)
In essence, the therapeutic process of restoring vision, can, in a percentage of the human population (Jameson et al., 2001; Rosh, 2006), lead to an accidental enhancement, restoring not only vision, but also granting tetrachromatic colour perception.
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2 Comments on "Accidental Tetrachromatics"
Very interesting photo, the first thought that came to my mind mind was that the to flower looked very dull and colorless compared to the bottom flower. The photo made me think of seeing the world in color vs. seeing the world in black and grey, feeling a kind of pity for the ones who only see the top part. Never would i have known that i should pity myself for not having the vision of a bug.