Question:

Ommatidia serve the purpose of photoreception in:

Updated On: Apr 29, 2026
  • Cockroach
  • Frog
  • Humans
  • Sunflower
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The question revolves around the concept of photoreception, which is the mechanism by which living organisms detect light and form visual images. Insects, like cockroaches, have specialized structures for this purpose called ommatidia.

Let's explore why the correct answer is "Cockroach" and eliminate the other options:

  1. Cockroach: Cockroaches, along with many other insects, possess compound eyes. Each compound eye is made up of numerous tiny units called ommatidia. Each ommatidium functions as a tiny independent photoreceptive unit that contributes to forming a mosaic-like image. This structure is highly adapted for detecting motion and offering a wide field of vision, characteristic of many insects.
  2. Frog: Frogs have simple eyes rather than compound eyes. Their photoreceptors are rods and cones located in the retina, similar to those in humans. Since ommatidia are not present in frog eyes, they are not involved in photoreception for frogs.
  3. Humans: Humans also have simple eyes with a retina composed of rods and cones. These photoreceptors are responsible for detecting light and color, but the structure of the eye does not include ommatidia.
  4. Sunflower: As a plant, a sunflower does not have eyes, hence it does not use ommatidia for photoreception. Photosynthesis in plants involves different structures like chlorophyll, not ommatidia.

Given the above explanations, it is evident that the cockroach is the correct answer, as it alone possesses ommatidia for photoreception.

Tip: Remember that ommatidia are a feature of the compound eyes seen in many arthropods, like insects and crustaceans.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Concepts Used:

Cockroach

In certain areas of the world, cockroaches are also known as waterbugs. These are one of the oldest insects whose fossils are 320 million years old. They are commonly known for ‘leaving behind stinky smells’, attacking household food items, and are considered carriers of diseases and hence are despised everywhere they are found.

Their average length is 4 cm and they are mainly reddish-brown in color. These insects have yellowish margins on the pronotum. The body of the cockroach is distinctly segmented, dorso-ventrally flattened, and covered by a shining brown exoskeleton. 

The body can be divided into three different parts such as the head, thorax, and abdomen. Wings that are darker than the body itself usually cover the dorsal body surface. By nature, cockroaches are nocturnal and omnivorous animals.

Parts of Cockroach:

Read More: Cockroach Life Cycle