What is a key characteristic of compound eyes in insects?

What is a key characteristic of compound eyes in insects?

• A. They contain a single visual unit.
• B. They provide color vision only.
• C. They consist of many small visual units called ommatidia, giving a wide field of view.
• D. They are located on the antennae.

Answer: (C)

Compound eyes are made up of many small visual units called ommatidia, each with its own lens and photoreceptor cells. This mosaic arrangement lets each facet point in a slightly different direction, producing a very wide field of view and excellent sensitivity to movement. The defining feature is the presence of numerous ommatidia that collectively cover a broad visual area.

This differs from a simple eye, which has only a single lens, and the eyes aren’t located on the antennae. Insects can perceive colors through multiple wavelengths, but the key characteristic is the many ommatidia contributing to a wide field of view.