Final answer:
Birds have monocular vision, which allows them to use one eye at a time, but this does not imply they have poor vision or lack depth perception. Raptors, for instance, have excellent vision, able to perceive prey from distances eight times further than the sharpest human eye. The various numbers of cone cells in different species' eyes allow them to see a range of colors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question is that birds have monocular vision. The misconception that birds can only use one eye at a time does not necessarily equate to them having poor vision. In fact, birds have monocular vision, which means they use one eye at a time to view their environment. However, this does not imply a lack of depth perception, as both monocular cues and binocular cues play a role in depth perception.
For example, raptors, such as eagles, hawks, and falcons, are known for their exceptional vision, where they can see up to 8 times more clearly than humans. Monocular vision allows these birds to effectively scan for prey, as they perceive different parts of their environment separately with each eye. Despite the reliance on monocular vision, they are still capable of depth perception due to the presence of monocular cues.
It is also important to understand that different species of animals, including birds, have varying numbers of cones in their eyes, which contribute to their ability to see a wider range of color hues or combinations of colors. Overall, the visual systems of animals, including birds, have evolved to prioritize essential stimuli in their environments.