Evolution of human colour vision other two human opsins. Middle Wavelength Sensitive Opsin (Green-sensitive opsin) – Encoded by the OPN1MW gene with a λmax of 530 found in the green region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Short Wavelength Sensitive Opsin (Blue opsin) – Encoded by the OPN1SW gene with a λmax of 430 found in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Certain parts of opsin genes and the vision of various species, including humans, has been known to change over time with different environmental changes. Recent studies have shown that primitive nocturnal mammalian ancestors had dichromatic vision consisting of UV–sensitive and red–sensitive traits. A change
Evolution of human colour vision allow them to see a wider range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Secondly, new random connections would create wavelength opponency and the new wavelength opponent neurons would be much more sensitive than the non-wavelength opponent neurons.This is the result of some wavelength distributions favouring excitation instead of inhibition. Both excitation and inhibition would be features of a neural substrate during the formation of a second pigment. Overall, the advantage gained from increased sensitivity with wavelength opponency would open up opportunities for future exploitation by mutations and even further improvement. Evolution of human colour vision Evolution of human colour vision over time: