Seeing and perceiving the world
The only theme in An Immense World by Ed Yong is seeing and perceiving the world. Humans and animals see the world differently. Human beings have a strong sense of sight because they have three unique cones that can detect specific wavelengths of light. Humans with two cones are color-blind, making them see lesser colors. Animals like dogs and horses have two cones, implying that they see shades of grey, blue, and yellow colors only. Interestingly, animals with more than three cones can see more colors but cannot differentiate what they see. Creatures such as Daphnia and water fleas use their instinctive responses to perceive the world because they can only see flashes of color. Therefore, each living organism sees and perceives the world differently depending on the number of its cones and automatic responses. An Immense World is about non-human perception. Ed Yong urges his readers to consider the unique ways animals such as dogs, mice, and dolphins, among others, experience their surroundings.
Human intrusion into nature
Ed Yong notes that human activities have impacted negatively on animals that rely on their instincts to perceive the world. For instance, noise pollution caused by industries, loud music, bright lights at night, and moving vehicles disturbs the natural ecosystem, interfering with how animals perceive the environment. The construction of sea highways and using large ships on sea waters have significantly harmed sea animals because they cannot use their senses accurately to maneuver. Consequently, Ed Yong urges people to be sensitive and care for the environment to ensure ecological sustainability.
Echolocation
The author explores the incredible ability of echolocation and shows how animals and humans can use it to maneuver their surroundings. Bats and dolphins use echolocation to navigate their environment. The most exciting thing about this theme is that humans can effectively use echolocation to run the world if they become deaf or blind. Ed Yong illustrates Daniel Kish, whose two eyes were removed as a young child to save him from cancerous cells. However, Daniel has learned how to use echolocation to hear sounds and distinguish the shapes of objects in the house. In addition, Daniel can comfortably ride his bike and stroll around the street without the help of other people.
