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What is the function of the dragonfly’s compound eyes (detailed introduction)

2024-04-03 23:03:16 67

The dragonfly's compound eyes are a unique visual organ, and they play an important role in the dragonfly's life. The following is a detailed introduction to the function of the dragonfly’s compound eyes:


Superior view:


A dragonfly's compound eyes are typically made up of thousands of individual photosensitive elements, each called an "ommatidium," that sense the direction and intensity of light. This arrangement gives dragonflies excellent stereoscopic vision and field of vision. Because dragonflies have complex compound eyes, they can sense tiny movements in their surroundings, which is critical for catching food or avoiding predators.

High-speed adaptation:


Dragonflies spend most of their time flying in the air, and being able to quickly adapt to changes in light is crucial to their survival. The compound eyes can quickly adapt to changes in light, allowing dragonflies to maintain a clear perception of their surroundings during rapid flight.

Beyond human vision:


Dragonflies' compound eyes also allow them to perceive light in the spectrum beyond human vision, including ultraviolet light. This makes them more sensitive to different environments such as some insect pollen and water, helping them to better forage and avoid potential dangers.

Unique way of hunting:


Dragonflies mainly feed on flying insects, and their compound eye structure helps them catch prey. Compound eyes allow dragonflies to better sense and lock onto prey in flight, giving dragonflies excellent hunting skills.

Overall, dragonflies' compound eyes play a key role in their flight, hunting, and survival. Their excellent vision and rapid adaptability allow them to better adapt to various environments and make full use of their own advantages, providing an important guarantee for their own survival and reproduction.


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