Slit Vision
Posted by Jean Aldwell on February 4, 2004
Q: About goats' eyes—-does the rectangular pupil have other advantages besides perhaps enabling them to eat at night?
Are there other animals with eyes like goats?
A: As I understand it, feeding in bright light, dim light, or very little light (at night) is made possible with their pupil. Of course, it's not just the feeding that is made possible but seeing and avoiding predators too. I couldn't find any other value for this pupil shape. Sheep also have rectangular pupils and so do horses. Not sure if cows do or not but do know they feed at night so they probably do.
John Wiessinger ( February 5, 2004)
Filed under: Mammals