SEMINAR: Polarisation vision and sensing

As humans, we are generally unaware of the polarization of light. In contrast, many animals including insects, crustaceans, octopus and fish respond to polarised light. For them, there is information and value in polarization signals, just as there is for us in colour.

I will present some of the work in which my research group has been involved, describing how bumble bees use polarization vision in foraging, how fish may use it to see through unclear water, and a recent findings about how mantis shrimps analyse polarized signals. I will also describe polarization camouflage and how animals make polarizing (and non-polarizing) mirrors. Finally I will touch on potential uses of polarization imaging in biological and non-biological contexts.

Biography

Julian Partridge is a zoologist with a background in sensory biology, particularly vision, and a research profile that encompasses molecular biology, physiology, marine biology (especially in the deep sea, with ocean going ships, benthic landers and submersibles), computer modelling and the development of unusual equipment for imaging and measuring light.

After 30 years based at the University of Bristol, UK, he moved to Perth and UWA, arriving in October 2013. He retains a part time post in Bristol as Professor of Zoology but has research projects in Animal Biology and the Oceans Institute at UWA. He is also responsible for several units within UWA’s Science Communication undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.



PS* This seminar is free and open to the public & no RSVP required.

****All Welcome****