Nocturnal animals (e.g., cats) eyes stand out in the dark because the back of their eyes are coated with a reflective coating. What purpose does this serve?
2006-12-02 17:31:55 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
It increases the amount of light reflected back to the retina, making them able to see better when there's low light.
2006-12-02 17:34:47 · answer #1 · answered by Paige 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The unique surface, combined with the widened pupil allow more light to enter the eye as well as be reflected in the eye. With more light the nocturnal animal can see better in the dark, in fact, I believe they are able to use up to ten times more light in the dark than we can! (But I could be wrong)
2006-12-02 17:36:26 · answer #2 · answered by chera 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not that the backs of the eyes are coated with reflective surface. it is that they have more surface area of receptors than day animals and their pupils open larger to catch more light, red eye in photos are the same affect,
2006-12-02 17:37:42 · answer #3 · answered by P W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that part of the eye is called the tapedum lucidum and allows all available light to reflect off of it so that they can have better night vision for hunting.
2006-12-02 18:52:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it makes their eyes very sensitive so they can see a little mouse skitter across a road and it serves as protection because predators get scared when they see the bright, colored eyes.
2006-12-02 17:42:15 · answer #5 · answered by Red Bear Cries 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so they can see in the dark...& catch food
2006-12-02 17:33:51 · answer #6 · answered by huh? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋