It has long been held that there is a link between dinosaurs and the birds we see today. That link might have more basis as researchers have found that dinosaurs might likely have vision similar to that of birds.
According to Sci News two groups of scientists have identified a gene that helps birds see and produce the color red. At least one of the groups has also found out that the same gene could be found in turtles. Both turtles and birds could trace their ancestry to dinosaurs, making the connection even stronger.
The gene has been identified as CYP2J19. This gene is helps convert yellow pigment in their diet to red. This in turn then allows them to see various shades of red in the color spectrum through red oil in their retinas.
In the study made earlier this year, zebra finches were first observed to find out which of the genes enable them to use and display red. Later on a new study has been made, this time involving turtles. The study made on turtles has also shown that the same gene could be found in them.
Only birds and turtles have the CYP2J19 gene, as the University of Cambridge notes in its report. The findings suggest that the gene might have originated more than 250 million years ago, before the split between turtles and dinosaurs. As dinosaurs evolved into its own line apart from turtles, it carried this gene with them, and birds carry that same gene today.
"These findings are evidence that the red gene originated in the archelosaur lineage to produce red for color vision," said Dr. Nick Mundy of the University of Cambridge's Department of Zoology. He further said that this same gene would later come out in other ways such as having red feathers and shells for some birds and turtles.
Though this gene could be found in birds and turtles, some animals seem to have lost this gene at some point in their evolution. Snakes and crocodiles don't have the gene, and it is likely because they were mostly active at night. Mammals as well seem to have lost this gene.
