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Definition
The Ponzo illusion is a geometric visual illusion commonly presented as two horizontal parallel lines, equal in length, above one another, surrounded by a set of converging lines. These converging lines represent an intersecting feature in the display that distort the perception of the equally sized parallel lines such that the upper line (closest to the apex of the converging lines) appears to be longer in length than the lower line. In humans the Ponzo illusion has been well-studied and various theories have been used to explain susceptibility. The Ponzo illusion has also been studied in nonhuman animals (hereafter animals), with most species to date demonstrating human-like susceptibility to the illusion.
The Ponzo Illusion
Visual illusion susceptibility occurs when visual information is unnecessarily or inappropriately adapted based on preconceptions. More specifically, geometric visual illusions are invoked...
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Byosiere, SE. (2022). Ponzo Illusion. In: Vonk, J., Shackelford, T.K. (eds) Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55065-7_626
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