The animal often cited as having "360 eyes" is the chameleon, although this is a slight exaggeration and not literal.
While a chameleon doesn't technically have 360 eyes, the unique way their eyes function allows them to see virtually 360 degrees around themselves. Here's a breakdown:
-
Independent Eye Movement: Each of a chameleon's eyes can move independently of the other. This means one eye can look forward while the other looks backward, up, or down.
-
Wide Field of Vision: This independent movement gives them an almost complete 360-degree view of their surroundings. They can observe prey or predators from almost any direction.
-
Not 360 "Eyes": It is important to clarify that they don't have 360 separate eyes. They simply have an incredibly wide field of vision due to the unique movement of their two eyes.
-
Binocular Vision: When a chameleon spots potential prey, it can focus both eyes on the same object, achieving binocular vision. This allows for excellent depth perception and accurate strike distance calculation.
In summary, while the statement that a chameleon has "360 eyes" is an oversimplification, it reflects their exceptional visual range capabilities.
