Is the ability to differentiate colours essential towards our survival as a species?

Question

Is there a biological need for humans to be able to 'sense' colours?

Answer 1

Of course. They can become visual cues for food selection. For example, two certain species of pigs can only be distinguished by color and one certain species, let's say colored pink, by past knowledge, is more nutritious and palatable than the black-colored one. Being able to sense color is, therefore, an evolutionary advantage as humans could associate a color with something they could use to their benefit. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

If you're question is whether we need to see in colour right now, I would say the answer is 'no'. It is a very common misconception that because something exists it is always necessary. In many instances, there is a misapprehension that everything must convey a survival benefit. This is far from true. Consider the fact that you have what are known as vestigial organs. One of the most striking vestigial organs are the rear legs of a python, or the non-functioning eyes of moles. Also, consider the fact that the colour of ones eyes, or hair has absolutely no survival advantage. You may also ask if it is necessary for humans to have body hair.

The fact that we see colour is a consequence of our evolutionary past. All primates see in colour because our common ancestors did. We may assume that it did provide an advantage, and we can surely speculate about how it did. However, it doesn't mean that it is required right now.

Naturally, this doesn't mean that things would be very different for us. There are many things that would have to change if we no longer had colour vision, but that is different from whether we can survive.

Answer 3

i would say it doesn't matter what the colour of a mango and apple is unless the taste bothers u.the survival of any specie does not really gets affected if it has no ability to differentiate colours.for example :if a cat appears to be complete black the dog would definitely sense the cat.

to make the world more fascinating wwe are able to see different colours .

Answer 4

We descended from fruitivores, who needed to distinguish ripeness degree of fruit.