Final answer:
In most vertebrates, except mammals, the regions that interpret visual information are the optic tectum or optic lobes, which are part of the midbrain. Mammals use a more complex system involving the visual cortex in the cerebral cortex.
Step-by-step explanation:
In most vertebrates, except the mammals, the regions involved in interpreting visual information are contained in the optic tectum or optic lobes. These structures are part of the midbrain and play a crucial role in processing visual stimuli. In contrast, mammals have developed a more complex structure for the analysis of visual information, consisting of the visual cortex, with specialized areas such as the primary visual cortex (V1), visual association cortex (including areas V2 and V3), and pathways that project information into the temporal and parietal lobes through ventral and dorsal streams.
The ventral stream identifies visual stimuli and their significance, often interacting with memory functions, while the dorsal stream is responsible for locating objects in space and aiding in body movements in response to visual inputs. In mammals, the cerebral cortex—which includes the visual cortex—is more developed and allows for more advanced visual processing compared to other vertebrates.