Scallops are bivalves common to all oceans of the world. Most species live in relatively shallow water. - Photo courtesy of Philip McErlean (CC BY-ND 2.0).
WHEN you think of scallops, the image of a delectable seafood dish likely comes to mind.
But beyond their culinary appeal lies a fascinating aspect of these marine creatures that often goes unnoticed—their eyes.
So, is it true that scallops have eyes?
Verdict:
TRUE
Scallops possess a remarkable visual system, equipped with up to 200 tiny eyes adorning the edge of their mantle.
Recent revelations from a study shed light on the dynamic nature of scallop eyes. Unlike human eyes, scallop optics are structured differently, resembling the intricate mechanisms found in advanced telescopes.
As light penetrates the scallop eye, it traverses through a series of components, including a pupil, lens, and retinas, before encountering a reflective mirror composed of guanine crystals.
This mirror, akin to those in telescopes, directs light onto the retinas, initiating neural signals that inform the scallop about its surroundings.
Moreover, the discovery of scallop eyes containing three times the number of opsins found in human eyes raises questions about the versatility of their visual perception.
A live scallop with its mouth open. Its eyes are shiny blue dots.
Opsins are light-sensitive proteins crucial for converting light into electrochemical signals in the retina.
Researchers speculate whether these opsins facilitate specialised vision across different wavelengths or environments, contributing to the scallop's adaptability.
While the molecular basis of vision varies widely among species, certain genetic components, such as the Pax6 gene, exhibit remarkable similarity across diverse organisms, including mammals and scallops.
So, the next time you savour a plate of garlic scallops, take a moment to appreciate the unseen marvels that lie within these humble mollusks—the masters of vision in the deep blue sea.
References:
1. https://carnegiemnh.org/
3. https://www.science.org/
4. Photo courtesy of Philip McErlean (CC BY-ND 2.0).
