The Adaptive Spectrum: Evolutionary Factors of Color Vision Diversity in Primates

Danya Sri Anantha Prakash

Abstract: Primate color vision reflects a mosaic of adaptive outcomes shaped by genetic divergence, ecological conditions, and social behavior. While humans and Old World monkeys typically possess trichromatic vision, many other primates, such as New World monkeys and lemurs, exhibit dichromatic or polymorphic systems. Rather than representing a linear evolutionary progression, this diversity underscores multiple evolutionary strategies suited to specific environments. This article reviews the genetic models and ecological factors influencing this variation, including the foraging and social signaling hypotheses. It argues that primate color vision is a product of context-specific trade-offs, with each visual system offering distinct survival advantages.

Keywords: primate vision, trichromacy, dichromacy, adaptive evolution, opsin genes

How to Cite?: Danya Sri Anantha Prakash, "The Adaptive Spectrum: Evolutionary Factors of Color Vision Diversity in Primates", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1805-1807, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25728145544, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25728145544