Wave produced changes in underwater light and their relations to vision

Maximal visual sensitivity of most vertebrates and invertebrates coincides with the dominant wave-induced flicker frequencies associated with underwater light. Waves also produce patterns off reflective objects that resemble many of the body markings found on fishes. The close relationship that exists between the physiological properties of spatial and temporal vision thus suggests an ancient adaptation to the wave-induced fluctuations and spatial patterns associated with underwater light.