Coevolution helps Santa’s reindeer feast after flight

A new study suggests that it’s not Rudolph’s red nose that helps reindeer find food during snowy Arctic winters, but instead a unique adaptation of their eyes to their favorite food. Reindeer may have developed their unique ability to see in the ultraviolet spectrum so they can more easily spot their primary food, the algae-fungus fusion known as lichens — which absorb UV — in the winter landscape. The findings help explain the long-standing scientific mystery as to why reindeer — including Rudolph and his fellow airborne ungulates from the classic story — can see in UV. …read more