A new study led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London has shed light on how and when vision evolved. The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, provides evidence to suggest that vision evolved in two stages.

The first stage, which occurred around 600 million years ago, saw the evolution of simple eyespots that were able to detect light and dark. These eyespots were likely found on flatworms and other simple animals.

The second stage occurred around 540 million years ago, and saw the evolution of more complex eyes that were able to form images. These eyes were found on arthropods, such as trilobites and early insects.

The study also suggests that vision evolved in response to the need for animals to find food and avoid predators. The researchers found that animals with eyes were more likely to survive and reproduce than those without eyes.

This study provides new insights into the evolution of vision, and helps us to understand how the ability to see evolved over time.

Here are some of the key findings of the study:

- Vision evolved in two stages: the first stage involved the evolution of simple eyespots, while the second stage saw the evolution of more complex eyes that were able to form images.

- Vision evolved around 600 million years ago.

- Vision evolved in response to the need for animals to find food and avoid predators.

- Animals with eyes were more likely to survive and reproduce than those without eyes.

- This study provides new insights into the evolution of vision, and helps us to understand how the ability to see evolved over time.