Richard Gavin, age 14, of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, for his question:

Do animals see only black and white?

We have reliable evidence that some animals see only black, white and gray tones. Others have color vision, more or less like ours, and some see colors way beyond our range of vision. One of the most fascinating fields of modern science is investigating the capabilities of animal senses. This research has barely begun    and the realm is almost limitless. Hence there should be plenty of careers in the field for future scientists.

In most animals, the sense of sight is suited to their particular environments. Cats and cattle view the scenery in tones of gray, accented with patches of black and white. Other evidence suggests that the octopus beholds a range of colors, much as we do. Tests with certain insects suggest that they see glamorous colors of the ultraviolet wave lengths, which we cannot see. The earthworm has no eyes, as we know them. Though he has numerous sensitive cells that help him to perceive the difference between light and shadow:

So far as we know at present, closely related animals that share similar environments also share similar types of vision. For example, members of the cat tribe are colorblind    with a dividend to assist them on their night prowling safaris. Their eyes have special lenses that accent light and dark tones to give sharper images in dim light. Dogs and pigs, horses, monkeys and other familiar mammals also are color blind. So are the nocturnal lemurs, though they see better by red light.

Frogs and salamanders see only gray tones, though lizards and other reptiles tested have color vision. So do certain birds. At least those that conduct their business during the bright hours of daylight can see the world in rainbow colors. Ordinary fishes have remarkable eyes that survey the scenery on all sides and also compensate for the angles of light above and below the water. They also see colors.

Apparently certain insects see colors beyond our dreams, extra vivid colors in the ultraviolet range beyond our vision. The honeybee sees the flowery garden colors that we see    and more. To her eyes, a common yellow daisy has a dark center amid a halo of brilliant spots of ultraviolet light. The graceful, swallow tailed luna moths also see ultraviolets. The female tuna sees the male as a brunette; he sees her as a glamorous blonde. We see them both as pale, moonbeam green.

Naturally we cannot say whether animals perceive or interpret colors as we do. All we know is that they can distinguish certain colors or tones. But we do know that color TV sets are wasted on our pet cats and dogs. And at last we know that a red rag does not infuriate a bull. Chances are, he sees a white one more clearly. What triggers his temper is a moving object, which he interprets as a threat to his security.