fbpx

Strange viewpoint of rats

German scientists have recently discovered that rats move their eyes in opposite directions in both the horizontal and the vertical plane when running around.

 

This surprising discovery means that it’s impossible for these animals to fuse the visual information into a single image, like humans do. Their eye movements, however, enable them to  see the space above them at all times. This could be an adaptation to help them deal with the threat from predatory birds, which most rodents face.

 

In humans, the eyes must continually be aligned in the same direction in order to be able to focus on an object. A deviation of less than a single degree of the field of view is enough to cause double vision. In rats, the opposing eye movements between left and right eye mean that the line of vision varies as much as 40 degrees in the horizontal plane and up to 60 degrees in the vertical plane.  

 

The researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics claim that, although these movements prevent the two visual fields from fusing, and thus the perception of a clear, 3-dimensional image, the permanent visibility in the direction of a potential attack from the sky greatly improves the animal’s chances of survival.

 

Source: http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=131503&CultureCode=en

Featured Posts

Press release communiqué de presse image

Tariffs Drive U.S. Vision Non-Profit to Manitoba

CBC News Report Highlights Cross-Border Shift for Global Vision 2020.

Learn More
Voila March-April Optik 2025 Mood Eyewear MIC Marmolada

MIC: Cadore-Inspired Artisan Craftsmanship

Rooted in the rich heritage of Italy’s Cadore region, MIC blends artisanal tradition and modern innovation.

Read more
Hoya Vision Care Canada logo

Seneca Polytechnic Launches New Opticianry Lab Through Gift from HOYA Vision Care

Students benefit from new space that mirrors professional laboratory environment

Read more
University of Waterloo

Renowned optics expert Dr. Austin Roorda returning to Waterloo

A world-leading expert in ophthalmic optics and vision is joining the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science after more than 20 years as a professor at University of California, Berkeley.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Launches SustainableEyecare.com

Website Helps Eye Care Professionals and Patients Responsibly Use, Recycle and Dispose of Contact Lenses and Eyewear

Read more
Press release communiqué de presse image

Tariffs Drive U.S. Vision Non-Profit to Manitoba

CBC News Report Highlights Cross-Border Shift for Global Vision 2020.

Learn More
Voila March-April Optik 2025 Mood Eyewear MIC Marmolada

MIC: Cadore-Inspired Artisan Craftsmanship

Rooted in the rich heritage of Italy’s Cadore region, MIC blends artisanal tradition and modern innovation.

Read More
Hoya Vision Care Canada logo

Seneca Polytechnic Launches New Opticianry Lab Through Gift from HOYA Vision Care

Students benefit from new space that mirrors professional laboratory environment

Read More
University of Waterloo

Renowned optics expert Dr. Austin Roorda returning to Waterloo

A world-leading expert in ophthalmic optics and vision is joining the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science after more than 20 years as a professor at University of California, Berkeley.

Read More
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Launches SustainableEyecare.com

Website Helps Eye Care Professionals and Patients Responsibly Use, Recycle and Dispose of Contact Lenses and Eyewear

Read More
Press release communiqué de presse image

Tariffs Drive U.S. Vision Non-Profit to Manitoba

CBC News Report Highlights Cross-Border Shift for Global Vision 2020.

Learn More
Voila March-April Optik 2025 Mood Eyewear MIC Marmolada

MIC: Cadore-Inspired Artisan Craftsmanship

Rooted in the rich heritage of Italy’s Cadore region, MIC blends artisanal tradition and modern innovation.

Read more
Hoya Vision Care Canada logo

Seneca Polytechnic Launches New Opticianry Lab Through Gift from HOYA Vision Care

Students benefit from new space that mirrors professional laboratory environment

Read more
University of Waterloo

Renowned optics expert Dr. Austin Roorda returning to Waterloo

A world-leading expert in ophthalmic optics and vision is joining the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science after more than 20 years as a professor at University of California, Berkeley.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Launches SustainableEyecare.com

Website Helps Eye Care Professionals and Patients Responsibly Use, Recycle and Dispose of Contact Lenses and Eyewear

Read more
Press release communiqué de presse image

Tariffs Drive U.S. Vision Non-Profit to Manitoba

CBC News Report Highlights Cross-Border Shift for Global Vision 2020.

Learn More
Voila March-April Optik 2025 Mood Eyewear MIC Marmolada

MIC: Cadore-Inspired Artisan Craftsmanship

Rooted in the rich heritage of Italy’s Cadore region, MIC blends artisanal tradition and modern innovation.

Read more
Hoya Vision Care Canada logo

Seneca Polytechnic Launches New Opticianry Lab Through Gift from HOYA Vision Care

Students benefit from new space that mirrors professional laboratory environment

Read more
University of Waterloo

Renowned optics expert Dr. Austin Roorda returning to Waterloo

A world-leading expert in ophthalmic optics and vision is joining the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science after more than 20 years as a professor at University of California, Berkeley.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Launches SustainableEyecare.com

Website Helps Eye Care Professionals and Patients Responsibly Use, Recycle and Dispose of Contact Lenses and Eyewear

Read more