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Science 3 September 1971:
Vol. 173. no. 4000, pp. 936 - 939
DOI: 10.1126/science.173.4000.936
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Articles

Eye Marks in Vertebrates: Aids to Vision

Robert W. Ficken 1, Paul E. Matthiae 2, and Robert Horwich 3

1 Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee 53201
2 Field Station, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Route 1, Box 216, Saukville 53080
3 Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, Illinois 60513

Lines leading forward from the eye may function as aiming sights in many small vertebrates. The chief evidence is the correlation of distribution and positions of eye-lines in various vertebrate groups with predatory feeding habits. Dark patches around the eye may serve to reduce glare in species in bright environments. Facial patterns often have multiple functions.


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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)