Final answer:
Colors in objects arise from the absorption and reflection properties of those objects under white light. The true color of an object is the color reflected, which is independent of illumination. The concept is crucial to understanding why objects may appear differently or disappear under certain lighting conditions, and it also relates to biological diversity and linguistic perception of color.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appearance of color in natural objects, like the feathers of a crimson rosella, is due to the absorption and reflection characteristics of the objects. White light consists of the full spectrum of colors, represented as ROYGBIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet), and when it falls upon an object, certain wavelengths are absorbed while others are reflected. The reflected light is what we perceive as color.
For example, a pure blue object will absorb all colors except for blue, which is reflected back to our eyes. If illuminated with a different color of light, such as pure red light, the object could appear black because it absorbs the red light and reflects none. Hence, the true color of an object can be determined independently of its illumination condition.
Understanding this concept also explains why objects can seem to disappear under certain lighting; like a red object under green light will not reflect any light back to the observer and might appear black. Similarly, variations in colors within the same species, such as different colored feathers, reflect biological diversity. Additionally, linguistic research shows the influence of language on color perception, suggesting a link between language and how colors are categorized and seen.