Polarized Light in Animal Vision: Polarization Patterns in Nature.

Horváth, Gábor and Dezsö Varju:

ISBN 10: 3540404570 / ISBN 13: 9783540404576

Editore: Springer; Berin, Heidelberg,, 2004

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470 Seiten Einband mit leichten Gebrauchsspuren, Besitzereintrag, sonst sauber und gut erhalten. Sprache: Englisch Gewicht in Gramm: 1013 15,6 x 2,5 x 23,4 cm, OPp, Gebundene Ausgabe.

Codice articolo 69696

Dati bibliografici

• Titolo: Polarized Light in Animal Vision: Polarization Patterns in Nature.
• Editore: Springer; Berin, Heidelberg,
• Data di pubblicazione: 2004
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 3540404570
• ISBN 13: 9783540404576
• Rilegatura: Rilegato
• Edizione: Auflage: 2004.
• Peso: 1013 grammi
• Cataloghi dei venditori:
  • Biologie

Descrizione articolo

Riassunto

The subject of this volume is two-fold. First, it gathers typical polarization patterns occurring in nature. Second, it surveys the polarization-sensitive ani­ mals, the physiological mechanisms and biological functions of polarization sensitivity as weIl as the polarization-guided behaviour in animals. The monograph is prepared for biologists, physicists and meteorologists, espe­ cially for experts of atmospheric optics and animal vision, who wish to under­ stand and reveal the message hidden in polarization patterns of the optical environment not directly accessible to the human visual system, but measur­ able by polarimetry and perceived by many animals. Our volume is an attempt to build a bridge between these two physical and biological flelds. In Part I we introduce the reader to the elements of imaging polarimetry. This technique can be efflciently used, e. g. in atmospheric optics, remote sens­ ing and biology. In Part 11 we deal with typical polarization patterns of the natural optical environment. Sunrise/sunset, clear skies, cloudy skies, moonshine and total solar eclipses all mean quite different illumination conditions, wh ich also affect the spatial distribution and strength of celestial polarization. We pre­ sent the polarization patterns of the sky and its unpolarized (neutral) points under sunlit, moonlit, clear, cloudy and eclipsed conditions as a function of solar elevation. The polarization pattern of a rainbow is also shown. That part of the spectrum is derived in which perception of skylight polarization is optimal under partly cloudy skies.

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While the human eye can practically cope only with two aspects of light, brightness and colour, for many animals polarization is a further source of visual information.

This fascinating phenomenon of polarization sensitivity is comprehensively treated by Horvath and Varju. Starting with a short introduction into imaging polarimetry - an efficient technique for measuring light polarization - various polarization patterns occurring in nature are presented. Among them are the polarizational characteristics of water surfaces, mirages and the underwater light field as well as the celestial polarization patterns affected by the illumination conditions of sunrise, sunset, clear or cloudy skies, moonshine and total solar eclipses.

The major part of the book is dedicated to the question: How can animals perceive and use the natural and artificial polarization patterns? Following a detailed compendium of the physiological basis of polarization sensitivity, several case studies of animal behaviour determined or influenced by polarization are presented. It is shown how arial, terrestrial and aquatic animals use the celestial and underwater polarization for orientation, e. g. how polarized light serves honeybees or ants as a compass. Further, it is explained how man-made objects affecting the natural optical environment may disorientate animals. For instance, as in the case where oil or glass surfaces, asphalt roads, or plastic sheets used in agriculture can be more attractive for water-seeking polarotactic insects than the water surface, and where mayflies lay their eggs on dry asphalt roads or cars.