The eyes of animals have approximately the same structure. However, goats have some peculiarities. The key difference is the shape of the pupil. The eyes of a goat are characterized not by the usual round pupil, but by a rectangular one. That's why they look very unusual. However, not everyone knows why small horned individuals have such a strange structure of the eyeball.
Structure of the eye
Goats, like other animals, have an organ of visual analysis. It includes a number of elements that form one circuit. Thanks to this, animals can live and function normally in their familiar environment.
The main components of the organ of vision include:
- Eyelid – provides protection to the eyeball from external factors and takes part in moisturizing the surface of the sclera.
- Brain regions - are involved in processing received information, converting it into electrical impulses and moving it to other areas of the brain.
- The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting information entering the eyes to specific parts of the brain.
- Bone frame – helps protect and support the eye muscles.
- Muscular tissue - helps keep the eyeball in the right place and is responsible for its movements.
A characteristic feature of goats and goats is their unusual look. It is due to the non-standard rectangular shape of the pupil.
Why does a goat need a pupil of this shape?
Non-standard pupils help the goat see 340 degrees without turning its head. This protects the animal from danger. During the day, in bright lighting conditions, the pupil narrows greatly. As a result, it looks like 2 horizontal slits. This provides the animal with protection from ultraviolet radiation. With the arrival of darkness, the pupils dilate. As a result, they take the shape of a regular rectangle. If the room is dark or the goat is scared, the pupils become square.
Thanks to this transformation option, it is possible to adapt the animal’s vision to the optimal level of illumination. This allows the goat to see even at night, which makes it possible to notice the predator in time and escape.
It is worth noting that with such an excellent viewing angle and excellent night vision, animals are not able to assess the distance to objects that surround them. Sometimes goats can't even figure out where to move.This is due to poor development of spatial vision.
The emergence of the pupil shape of goats
The pupils of animals have evolved over millions of years. It is assumed that at first they were distinguished by their rounded shape. However, as a result of the constant influence of ultraviolet radiation, these elements began to gradually narrow. When eating, goats lower their heads low. That is why their pupils constricted horizontally.
This form allows animals to evaluate their surroundings without stopping the absorption of food.
After some time, muscles began to appear in the structure of the eyeball. They helped to narrow the pupils to slit-like ones when exposed to bright sun. Decreasing light intensity causes these muscles to relax. Thanks to this, the goats were able to eat food without deterioration in visual function. Thus, goat pupils have acquired an unusual appearance over many years of evolution.
Advantages and disadvantages
Unusual horizontal pupils give animals unique visual capabilities. At the same time, there are some disadvantages characteristic of this structure of the organ of vision. The key advantage of such a structure is considered to be a high degree of visibility. In the wild, animals see all dangers, which helps them protect themselves from predators.
Due to their individual characteristics, goats must spend most of the day on pasture. Thanks to the unique structure of their eyes, they are able to keep the horizon under control without raising their heads from the food. When danger appears, the goat warns the rest of the herd about it. Thanks to good vision, animals are able to see in the dark and survive in unusual conditions.
At the same time, the non-standard shape of the pupils also has some disadvantages.Due to their wide viewing angle, goats lack spatial vision. They have difficulty judging the size of objects or the distance to them. This is why goats are considered very shy. They try to leave the danger zone in advance.
Eye color
Usually the iris of goats has a yellow tint. It varies in intensity. Pets with light brown eyes are also common. Blue-eyed animals are extremely rare. As a rule, they are distinguished by white fur.
Diseases
Eye pathologies are the result of damage to internal organs or systems. In some cases, a diagnosis can be made based on the appearance of the eyes. Thus, yellowing of the sclera indicates liver or gallbladder disease. Redness or the appearance of a network of blood vessels on the proteins is often associated with internal inflammation in the body.
The most common pathology in goats is conjunctivitis. With this disease, hyperemia, inflammation, and excessive secretion of tear fluid are observed. External factors that cause the development of pathology include:
- mechanical damage to the external part of the organ of vision;
- contact of foreign objects with mucous membranes;
- exposure to drafts or cold air;
- development of infections or infection with pathogenic bacteria.
Among the internal factors that cause conjunctivitis are viral diseases. When a disease appears, it is recommended to immediately take measures to eliminate the symptoms and causes. In this case, immediate consultation with a veterinarian is required.
The eyes of goats have a non-standard structure. The main distinguishing feature of the organ of vision in animals is the rectangular pupil. It performs specific functions and helps pets protect themselves in case of danger.
