Early evolution of multifocal optics for well-focused colour vision in vertebrates

All studied lamprey species possess multifocal lenses, indicating an early evolution of complex optical systems.

• Jawless fishes, such as lampreys, are among the earliest vertebrates, dating back to at least 540 million years ago.
• The last common ancestor of all vertebrates likely had a sophisticated color vision system, as indicated by the opsin genes present in lampreys.
• Adult lampreys have well-developed eyes, while hagfishes exhibit more primitive eye structures.
• The ability to create clear color images with multifocal lenses appears to have evolved very early in vertebrate history.

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