Summary
The spectral sensitivities of the four eyes ofNereis mediator (Polychaeta, Annelida) were measured from 400 nm to 600 nm by determining the reciprocal of the number of quanta required to elicit a constant electroretinogram of 350 μV.N. mediator is maximally sensitive at 480 nm, although it is very sensitive over a broad range from 400 nm to 540 nm (Fig. 4). Selective adaptation experiments (Fig. 5) and changes in the time characteristics of the electroretinogram under conditions of dark and green adaptation (Fig. 2) indicate the presence of a multi-receptor system.
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We thank Dr. Olga Hartman and Dr. Kristian Fauchald for their help with the natural history and identification of specimens. We also thank Josephine Yingst for her help in collection of specimens. This research was supported by a USC Biomedical Grant 5730 and by AFOSR Contract F 44620-70-C-0113.
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Yingst, D.R., Fernandez, H.R. & Bishop, L.G. The spectral sensitivity of a littoral annelid:Nereis mediator . J. Comp. Physiol. 77, 225–232 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00696426
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00696426