Abstract
The ability to perceive polarization contrast within and between objects in the environment is regarded as a vital sensory skill that facilitates intra- and interspecific signalling across many taxa, particularly marine invertebrates, insects, and fish. Despite substantial efforts to explore the mechanisms behind polarization vision, along with studies on its prevalence and limitations, a detailed understanding of polarization contrast sensitivity remains restricted to a few key species. Here, I share insights from over 10 years of behavioural experiments on polarization contrast sensitivity with crustaceans and cephalopods, including four previously undocumented cephalopod species. These experiments not only greatly expand the number of species known to possess polarization contrast sensitivity but also provide valuable insights into the context-dependent nature of these thresholds, the neuroethology of polarization contrast detection, how it varies among taxa, and some critical lessons for future comparative studies of polarization vision.
Biography
My work revolves around animal vision and colouration. I am particularly involved in developing new methods to study the complex colour patterns of animals and their function and evolution. I completed my PhD studies and the first year of my postdoctoral research at the University of Queensland, using nudibranch molluscs (a particularly fascinating type of ‘sea slug’) and triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) as my study organisms.
Since 2024 I am studying phenotypic diversity in African cichlids as a postdoc in the Salzburger Group at the University of Basel (CH). From 2022 – 2024 I conducted research on polarization vision in marine invertebrates and integrating the polarization vision of marine invertebrates into existing visual modelling environments, namely the Quantitative Colour Pattern analysis (QCPA) (Bristol University, UK).
I also participate in citizen science projects, where I aim to support efforts to care for the marine environment by utilising my scientific diving and photography skills.