What is the Difference Between Compound Eyes and Simple Eyes?

The main differences between compound eyes and simple eyes are:

1. Structure: Compound eyes are made up of clusters of ommatidia, while simple eyes are made up of only one single unit.
2. Presence in animals: Compound eyes are found in most arthropods, annelids, and molluscs, while simple eyes are found among many types of organisms, including most higher vertebrates.
3. Field of view: Compound eyes can cover a wider angle compared to simple eyes.
4. Diversity: The types of simple eyes are more diversified than compound eyes.
5. Polarization of sunlight: Compound eyes can detect the polarization of sunlight, while simple eyes cannot.
6. Image resolution: Compound eyes have poor image resolution, but they possess a large view angle and the ability to detect fast movement and, in some cases, the polarization of light. In contrast, simple eyes may have better image resolution.

In summary, compound eyes are typically found in invertebrates like insects, crustaceans, and some mollusks, and they are made up of numerous ommatidia, which give them the ability to detect motion and polarization of sunlight. On the other hand, simple eyes are found in a broader range of animals, including most higher vertebrates, and they are made up of a single unit. Simple eyes generally have better image resolution than compound eyes but have a narrower field of view.

Comparative Table: Compound Eyes vs Simple Eyes

Here is a table comparing the differences between compound eyes and simple eyes:

Compound eyes, found in arthropods, mollusks, and annelids, are made up of multiple ommatidia, which are the basic units of photoreception. These eyes can detect motion and the polarization of sunlight, in addition to receiving light. On the other hand, simple eyes are found in various organisms, including higher vertebrates, and consist of just one unit of eye. They have a narrower field of view compared to compound eyes and cannot detect the polarization of sunlight.