Q: Is there any particular reason a hammerhead shark has such a weird head and eyeballs? Was it evolution?
—Donald Varn, Conyers
A: The shape of their heads give hammerhead sharks exceptional binocular vision when compared to regular sharks. That provides them with an advantage while hunting, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. Mikki McComb-Kobza, who was with Florida Atlantic University at the time, co-authored the study called "Enhanced Visual Fields in Hammerhead Sharks." "This translates into a visual advantage for a predator like the hammerhead shark in its ability to accurately judge the distance of moving objects like prey," McComb said in a 2010 interview with oceana.org, the website for an organization "focused solely on ocean conservation." "After we incorporated the degree of eye and head movement into the visual field we found that the hammerheads can see behind and have a full 360 degree view around the head." McComb said the shape of the hammerhead shark's head also might be its current shape for several unconfirmed reasons, including:
- It could be a "bow plane to provide hydrodynamic lift."
- It could have "enhanced "electrosensory ability" due to its larger size.
- It could have "enhanced olfactory ability" due to nostrils that are wide apart.
- It could help the shark pin "prey items like stingrays."
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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