Women’s superior color perception may be due to genetic and neurological differences, with experts citing the influence of two X chromosomes and hormonal factors.
Women may have an advantage in perceiving colors due to genetic differences, according to experts. Dr. Vinutha G, a senior consultant gynaecologist at Athreya Super Speciality Hospital in Bengaluru, “The neurological basis for differences in colour vision between men and women primarily lies in the genetic and structural differences in the eyes and brain. Women typically have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y chromosome. Since the genes responsible for the development of cone cells (which detect colour) are located on the X chromosome, women have a potential advantage. If a woman has variations in these genes on each X chromosome, she may have a broader range of cone cell types, potentially allowing her to perceive a wider spectrum of colours.”
Cone cells in the retina are essential for color vision, and women’s two X chromosomes allow for more variations in these cells. Dr. Vinutha notes that some women might possess a fourth type of cone cell, enhancing their ability to discriminate colors. This advantage is less common in men. Hormonal factors, particularly estrogen, can also influence color sensitivity. Estrogen affects the retina and visual cortex, potentially enhancing women’s color perception.
Neurological differences further explain why women might see more colors than men. Women’s larger primary visual cortex in relation to brain size may help them see color more precisely. Studies have shown that women have more densely packed neurons in this area, aiding fine visual detail processing. Functional MRI studies reveal that women exhibit greater brain activation during color discrimination tasks, suggesting a more integrated neural network for processing color information.
Furthermore, compared to men, women frequently exhibit higher levels of activation in a variety of brain regions when doing tasks involving color discrimination, according to functional MRI research. This could lead to improved color perception by indicating a more extensive and integrated neural network for processing color information.
