Steve Jackson Games Forums - View Single Post - Infra-red vision vs. dark vision...

Flyndaran · 03-25-2018, 02:11 PM

Infravision, as in seeing long wavelength infrared, requires a sensor colder than what you're detecting. So not plausible for a endotherm at all, unless you need to see really hot objects for some reason.
That's also assuming you conceive of a biological infrared focusing lens which hasn't evolved on earth. Pit vipers' heat vision only barely works to within 6 feet.
As for extreme night vision, lack of color perception is not a given. Some lizards lack rods all together, but are still adapted to the dark using sensitized cones.

03-25-2018, 02:11 PM	#3
Flyndaran Untagged Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Forest Grove, Beaverton, Oregon	Re: Infra-red vision vs. dark vision... Infravision, as in seeing long wavelength infrared, requires a sensor colder than what you're detecting. So not plausible for a endotherm at all, unless you need to see really hot objects for some reason. That's also assuming you conceive of a biological infrared focusing lens which hasn't evolved on earth. Pit vipers' heat vision only barely works to within 6 feet. As for extreme night vision, lack of color perception is not a given. Some lizards lack rods all together, but are still adapted to the dark using sensitized cones. __________________ Beware, poor communication skills. No offense intended. If offended, it just means that I failed my writing skill check.