Perception
Most plants have green leaves. The leaves are green because they absorb most colors of the spectrum and reflect only green light back to our eyes. Some plants, however, have foliage that is distinctly red or purple (e.g. Japanese maple, red tip, and some varieties of plum).
- Based on what you understand about insect color vision, describe what these plants would look like to an aphid or a grasshopper.
- What selective advantage might these plants gain from their unusual coloration?
- If there is a selective advantage, why haven't all plants evolved this way?
Before you attempt to answer these questions, be sure you have read and understand the tutorial on "Color Vision".
Due by October 26, 2007. Submit your answer in class or by email to john_meyer@ncsu.edu
