Optical illusion: The animal you spot first in the picture will reveal whether you are left-brained or right-brained

Optical illusion s have gained immese popularity in the last few years, and are a great tool to gauge our observation skills, and IQ. An optical illusion is a visual phenomenon where the brain misinterprets what the eyes perceive. It occurs when the information sent by the eyes conflicts with how the brain processes and understands what it sees. These illusions often trick us into seeing things that are not there, or perceiving objects differently from reality. For example, a still image might appear to move, or two shapes may seem unequal in size even though they are identical.

Some optical illusions are also adept at telling us which side of our brain is more dominant, and today, we present you one such illusion...

Left brained or right brained?

Look closely at this picture. This image actually represents two animals in one, that is a swan and a squirrel. While you might eventually spot both animals, it is the timing that makes all the difference.

Those who see the swan first likely observe its form on the left side, noting how its beak curves down to meet its chest. This suggests that the right side of your brain is more dominant, leading you to artistic and creative talents.

Alternatively, if you spot the squirrel first, you likely see it on the right side of the image, absorbed in eating. In this view, the area that forms the swan's neck and face transforms into the squirrel's bushy tail. This suggests that the left side of your brain is more dominant typically linked to logical, analytical, and mathematical abilities, suggesting a knack for numbers.

Types of optical illusions

There are three main types of optical illusions:

Literal Illusions : These occur when the brain combines elements of an image to create something that doesn’t exist. For example, an image might look like two faces or a vase depending on how you interpret it.

Physiological Illusions : These are caused by overstimulation of the visual system, such as excessive exposure to light, movement, or color. They can create effects like afterimages or motion illusions.

Cognitive Illusions: These rely on how the brain subconsciously interprets information. Examples include illusions like the Müller-Lyer illusion, where lines appear longer or shorter due to surrounding shapes.

How do optical illusions work ?
Optical illusions occur because of the way our brain processes visual information. The human vision system is complex but not perfect. When light enters the eyes, it is converted into signals by the retina and sent to the brain for interpretation. The brain uses past experiences and patterns to fill in gaps and make sense of what it sees.