Hamsters have limited visual capabilities, primarily distinguishing between black and white while struggling to perceive other colors. Their visual range is narrow, allowing them to see objects clearly only within about 30 centimeters; anything beyond that distance appears blurry. Hamsters have an exceptionally high proportion of rod cells (97%) in their retinas. These cells are highly sensitive to low light, enabling better vision in dim environments, but their eyesight is significantly impaired in bright light or complete darkness.
Hamsters excel at dynamic tracking, accurately identifying the movement trajectories of objects up to 0.5 meters away with a reaction time 0.3 seconds faster than humans. Additionally, they exhibit remarkable spatial memory: in maze tests, 80% of their decisions rely on visual cues, while the remaining 20% integrate olfactory memory.
Here are the main differences between hamsters' and humans' visual functions:
- Limited color vision: Hamsters primarily distinguish black and white, with weak ability to perceive other colors.
- Narrow visual range: Hamsters can only see objects clearly within approximately 30 centimeters.
- Superior dynamic tracking: Hamsters accurately identify moving objects' trajectories and react quickly.