Revealing the Unique and Hidden Eye Adaptations of Chameleons
Scientists discovered that chameleons have spiral, coiled optic nerves that enable their eyes to move independently, a unique adaptation that allows them to scan their environment like security cameras before coordinating their vision to strike prey. This structure, previously overlooked due to traditional dissection methods, is present across multiple chameleon species and likely evolved as a response to their stiff necks, maximizing their visual range.