Eye adaptations

eye adaptations of nocturnal animals

larger eyes and wider pupils - allows them to capture more light

higher concentration of rod cells in retina

slit pupils - easier to contract than round

special layer of eyes aka tapetum lucidum - contains reflective pigment which aids sight in dark conditions - maximises available light by reflecting it back through photoreceptors, stimulating more receptor cells

pupillary light reflex

adjusts size of pupil in response to the amount of light present

helps protect photoreceptors from damage

predator (carnivore) eye adaptations

binocular vision - each eye overlaps at the front to create a single 3D image

eyes positioned on front of face, narrower field of vision

able to focus as have better depth perception

prey (herbivore) eye adaptations

monocular vision - each eye works independently and only overlaps over a small area

eyes positioned on side of head, wider field of vision - good for detecting predators

poor depth perception

example of how a predator uses their eyes

owls

110 degree visual field

elongated eyes so cannot rotate in the socket - need to turn their heads instead

lots of rod cells and wide range in pupil size - helps them hunt in low light levels

example of how a prey uses their eyes

sheep

visual field of over 270 degrees

eyes high up in skull - gives better vision when grazing

rectangular pupils - increase accuracy of depth perception when grazing