This rabbit is looking at the Cam and seems to then hide from it behind the log rounds.
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Not sure if this will fully answer your question but is an interesting read. I have lots of rabbits around my house too.
You gave me a good excuse to use the new Gemini Advanced Deep Research feature they just released.
Output for Gemini Advanced 1.5 Pro with Deep Research - Researched 55 websites with Prompt - Research Can Rabbits See 850nm and 940nm Infrared Light?
Can Rabbits See 850nm and 940nm Infrared Light?
Rabbits, with their unique eye structure and visual adaptations, have evolved to be highly effective at detecting predators. Their laterally placed eyes provide an almost 360-degree field of vision, allowing them to scan their surroundings for threats from nearly any direction1. This remarkable adaptation raises questions about the extent of their visual capabilities, particularly whether they can perceive light beyond the spectrum visible to humans. This article delves into the specifics of rabbit vision, focusing on whether they can see infrared (IR) light at 850nm and 940nm wavelengths.
Rabbit Vision: An Overview
Rabbits have dichromatic vision, meaning they possess two types of cone cells that are sensitive to blue (peak sensitivity at 425nm) and green (peak sensitivity at 520nm) light2. This allows them to differentiate between these colors, but their perception of the world is less vibrant than that of humans, who have trichromatic vision with three types of cone cells2. This dichromatic vision, with a focus on blue and green hues, is a common adaptation among herbivores and is thought to play a crucial role in their ability to find food and navigate their environment2.
In addition to cone cells, rabbits also have a high concentration of rod cells in their retinas4. Rod cells are responsible for vision in low-light conditions, giving rabbits superior night vision compared to humans. However, this comes at the cost of reduced visual acuity in low light, resulting in a “grainy” picture4. The distribution of these photoreceptor cells is not uniform across the retina. Rabbits have a visual streak, an area with the highest density of rod and cone photoreceptors, located about 3 mm ventral to the optic nerve head6. Further analysis of the rabbit retina reveals a dominance of M (middle-wave sensitive) cones, particularly in the visual streak7.
The anatomy of the rabbit eye is further distinguished by several unique features. They have a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane that moves across the cornea for added protection8. Their eyes, positioned high on the sides of their head, provide an almost 360-degree view, enabling them to detect predators approaching from above, a crucial adaptation for prey animals8. However, this lateral placement also creates a small blind spot directly in front of their face and limits their depth perception1.
Rabbits also have four tear glands and only one tear duct opening11. This unique configuration reduces their need to blink, with rabbits blinking as infrequently as 12 times per hour11. Another distinctive feature of rabbit eye anatomy is the lack of a lamina cribrosa, a structure found in the optic nerve head of most mammals12. The orbital axis of a rabbit’s eye coincides with the visual axis, an unusual characteristic that further enhances their ability to detect predators13.
Comparative Ocular Anatomy: Rabbits vs. Humans
While rabbit eyes share some similarities with human eyes, there are also significant differences. One notable difference is in the surface area of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera (the white part of the eye). Studies have shown that the ratio of conjunctival surface area to corneal surface area is two times larger in humans than in rabbits14. This difference may have implications for drug absorption and distribution in the eye, a factor to consider when using rabbits as models in ophthalmological research.
Infrared Light and its Properties
Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible light15. It falls within the electromagnetic spectrum between 780nm and 1mm15. While invisible to the naked human eye, infrared light can be detected by specialized equipment, such as night vision devices and security cameras15.
Within the infrared spectrum, 850nm and 940nm are commonly used wavelengths, each with distinct properties. 850nm infrared LEDs emit a shorter wavelength and produce a faint red glow that can be observed at close range or when looking directly at the light source15. This “red glow” is due to the proximity of the 850nm wavelength to the visible light spectrum. The human eye can slightly perceive this frequency, although it does not illuminate objects in the same way as visible light17. In contrast, 940nm infrared LEDs are fully covert and do not emit any visible red glow15.
These different properties have implications for the use of infrared light in various applications. For example, in security camera systems, 850nm infrared illuminators are often preferred because they provide better night-time images due to the higher sensitivity of security cameras to this wavelength16. However, when invisibility is paramount, such as in covert surveillance, 940nm infrared light is the better option15.
Can Rabbits See 850nm and 940nm IR Light?
While rabbits have a wider field of vision and better night vision than humans, their ability to see infrared light, specifically at 850nm and 940nm, remains uncertain4. Rabbits are generally not very sensitive to red or long-red wavelengths19. However, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that some animals, including rabbits, may react to infrared illuminators, possibly due to a perception of changes in light intensity or some other visual cue20. This conflicting information highlights the need for further investigation to determine the true extent of rabbit vision in the infrared spectrum.
Interestingly, studies on other mammals have shown that rod photoreceptors can become more sensitive than cones at wavelengths above 800nm22. This phenomenon could potentially allow some mammals to perceive infrared signals as white light, particularly in the peripheral retina22. Whether this applies to rabbits requires further research.
It is also worth noting that while human vision is generally limited to the visible spectrum, there is evidence suggesting that under certain conditions, humans might be able to perceive near-infrared light, particularly at longer wavelengths22. This further complicates the question of infrared light perception and highlights the complexities of visual systems across different species.
Conclusion
Based on the available research, it remains unclear whether rabbits can see 850nm and 940nm infrared light. While their visual system is adapted for low-light conditions and a wide field of view, their sensitivity to infrared light is not well-established. The anecdotal evidence of rabbits reacting to infrared illuminators suggests the possibility of some level of perception, but further research is needed to confirm this.
The lack of definitive studies specifically investigating rabbit vision at 850nm and 940nm highlights a gap in our understanding of their visual capabilities. Future research could focus on behavioral studies to observe rabbit responses to these wavelengths, as well as electrophysiological recordings to measure the activity of their photoreceptor cells when exposed to infrared light.
Understanding the extent of rabbit vision in the infrared spectrum could have implications for various fields, including animal welfare, wildlife management, and the use of rabbits in ophthalmological research. For example, if rabbits are indeed sensitive to infrared light, this could influence their behavior and interactions with their environment, particularly during nighttime or in dimly lit settings.
Studies on Rabbit Vision and Infrared Light
While no studies specifically focusing on rabbit vision at 850nm and 940nm were found, several studies highlight the use of these wavelengths in vision research and ophthalmology, offering potential insights into rabbit visual capabilities.
Studies using 850nm infrared light:
- One study explored the use of 850nm infrared light for photobiomodulation therapy in rabbits, suggesting potential applications for treating eye diseases24. This research highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of infrared light for ocular health.
Studies using 940nm infrared light:
- A study used a 940nm infrared backlight to observe fish movement, demonstrating the use of this wavelength in vision research25. This highlights the versatility of infrared light in studying animal behavior and visual responses.
Works Cited
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Researched 55 websites
In researching your report, Gemini searches the web and browses content from relevant websites on your behalf.
Can Rabbits See Colors? Vet Approved Facts & Info | PangoVet
Can Rabbits See Colors? Vet Approved Facts & Info | PangoVet
850nm Vs. 940nm Infrared LED Light: Any Differences? - Refond
Dynamic information
Rabbits - Comparative Physiology of Vision - Evergreen Archives
archives.evergreen.edu/webpages/curricular/2011-2012/m2o1112/web/rabbits.html
What Do Rabbits See?
rabbit.org/health/what-do-rabbits-see
RABBIT VISION - HOW DO BUNNIES SEE? - YouTube
youtube.com/watch?v=nwESmGrdFpY
Vision - Westley’s World
Vision — Westley’s World
Can bunnies see infrared? : r/Rabbits - Reddit
Reddit - Dive into anything
Comparing Light Types types of LED Lighting | Raytec
Raytec LED Lighting - Home
Bunns and webcams with bright infrared LEDs? - Rabbits - Reddit
Reddit - Dive into anything
How Does a Rabbit See Compared to Humans? Vet-Approved Vision Facts - PangoVet
How Does a Rabbit See Compared to Humans? Vet-Approved Vision Facts | PangoVet
Thread: Can rabbits see IR??? - AirgunBBS.com
Can rabbits see IR???
850nm vs 940nm : r/NightVision - Reddit
Reddit - Dive into anything
Models in Ophthalmology and Vision Research - PMC - PubMed Central
Models in Ophthalmology and Vision Research - PMC
Can rabbits see IR??? - The Bushcraft Forum
Can rabbits see IR??? | The Bushcraft Forum
850nm Vs. 940nm Light: What is the Difference? FAQs 850, 940 IR
850nm Vs. 940nm Light: What is the Difference? FAQs 850, 940 IR
850nm vs 940nm. Which infrared wavelength is better? - Nightfox
850nm vs 940nm. Which infrared wavelength is better?
Thread: Can rabbits see red light? - AirgunBBS.com
Can rabbits see red light?
Rabbit Models of Ocular Diseases: New Relevance for Classical Approaches - PubMed
Rabbit Models of Ocular Diseases: New Relevance for Classical Approaches - PubMed
Dimensions of Rabbit Eyes with Relevance for Intraocular Lens Research | IOVS
Dimensions of Rabbit Eyes with Relevance for Intraocular Lens Research | IOVS | ARVO Journals
rabbit.org
The Rabbit Eye: A Complete Guide - Rabbit.org.
Schematic diagram highlighting anatomical and dimensional similarity of human and rabbit eye. Periocular structures, which are present in rabbits but not in humans, are indicated (upper-left side of the diagram). - ResearchGate
researchgate.net/figure/Fig-1-Schematic-diagram-highlighting-anatomical-and-dimensional-similarity-of-human_fig1_283687287
Eye problems in rabbits - PDSA
Eye problems in rabbits - PDSA
Comparison of wavefront aberrations in rabbit and human eyes - PubMed
Comparison of wavefront aberrations in rabbit and human eyes - PubMed
INSIGHT INTO RABBIT EYE ANATOMY - Vet Times
INSIGHT INTO RABBIT EYE ANATOMY | Vet Times
Comparison of conjunctival and corneal surface areas in rabbit and human
tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3109/02713688809031801
The Rabbit Eye: A Complete Guide
rabbit.org/health/the-rabbit-eye-a-complete-guide
RABBIT OPHTHALMOLOGY - CABI Digital Library
cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20143185495
Real-Time Imaging of Rabbit Retina with Retinal Degeneration by Using Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography | PLOS ONE
journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0036135
USH2A gene mutations in rabbits lead to progressive retinal degeneration and hearing loss
biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.24.476758.full
Complementary Cone Fields of the Rabbit Retina - IOVS
iovs.arvojournals.org/arvo/content_public/journal/iovs/933180/811.pdf?resultclick=1
Rod and Cone Connections With Bipolar Cells in the Rabbit Retina - Frontiers
frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncel.2021.662329/full
Rhodopsin (D1N7X) Rabbit mAb #14825 - Cell Signaling Technology
cellsignal.com/products/primary-antibodies/rhodopsin-d1n7x-rabbit-mab/14825
Photoreceptors by Helga Kolb – Page 6 - Webvision
webvision.med.utah.edu/book/part-ii-anatomy-and-physiology-of-the-retina/photoreceptors/6
Spectral and pattern response in the rabbit retina - PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8169573
New properties of rabbit retinal ganglion cells - PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/650447
What Do Rabbits See?
hare.as.miami.edu/vision.html?111
Corneal Optical Coherence Tomography Speckle in Crosslinked and Untreated Rabbit Eyes in Response to Elevated Intraocular Pressure - PMC - PubMed Central
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8088219
Cell-type-specific binocular vision guides predation in mice - PMC - PubMed Central
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8112612
Spectral Optical Properties of Rabbit Brain Cortex between 200 and 1000 nm - MDPI
mdpi.com/2673-7256/1/2/11
Effect of Topically Administered Chitosan-N-acetylcysteine on Corneal Wound Healing in a Rabbit Model - PMC - PubMed Central
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5485343
Cyp27c1 red-shifts the spectral sensitivity of photoreceptors by converting vitamin A1 into A2
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4910640
Red Light Restores Vision and Eye Health
redlightman.com/blog/red-light-restores-vision-and-eye-health
Red Light Therapy and Animals
redlightman.com/blog/red-light-therapy-animals
NIGHT vision 850nm or 940 - AirGun Forums
airgunforums.co.uk/threads/night-vision-850nm-or-940.19230
Comparison of Osseointegration of Dental Implants Placed in Rabbit Tibia Using Two Dental Laser and Implant Handpiece Systems - MDPI
mdpi.com/2306-5354/9/11/681
Rabbit’s Vision: Exploring the World Through Rabbit Eyes - Rabbit Hole Hay
rabbitholehay.com/blogs/rabbit-hole-hay-blog/rabbit-vision
The Potential Effects of Light Irradiance in Glaucoma and Photobiomodulation Therapy
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9952036
Human infrared vision is triggered by two-photon chromophore isomerization | PNAS
pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1410162111
940nm vs 850nm Infrared Wavelengths - AXTON IR Illuminator, White & Hybrid LED Lighting
axtontech.com/infrared-850nm-vs-940nm-wavelength
Method for the determination of the luminance of two-photon vision stimuli
opg.optica.org/boe/abstract.cfm?uri=boe-15-10-5818
Vision with pulsed infrared light is mediated by nonlinear optical processes - PMC
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7587254
Near Infrared Light (940nm) Improves COVID Outcomes: Exciting Randomized Control Trial
m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdiUnmpOgqE&pp=ygUII2lybGlnaHQ%3D
Near Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy of Eye Diseases: A Review - PMC
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7738953
Photobiomodulation as an Innovative and Promising Treatment for Retinal Disease
retinalphysician.com/issues/2022/april/photobiomodulation-as-an-innovative-and-promising-treatment-for-retinal-disease
Effect of skin color on optical properties and the implications for medical optical technologies: a review - PMC
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10807857
SUMMARY: Rabbit sensitivity to infrared light is not well-established, though there is anecdotal evidence of them reacting to IR.
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