As a follow up on my theory about visual alignment I have added a topic about the pupil shapes of Frogs & Toads, they come in all kinds of shapes:
* Round
* Vertical
* Horizontal
* Heart-Shaped (Oriental fire-bellied Toads)
Frogs & Toads are hunters who eat small instects such as fly’s, fast moving targets, so they need a pricise tracking system. Just like cats who catch mice and birds (quick moving objects), their pupils become line shape when they have to focus.
The group with Heart-Shaped pupils is interesting when it come to alignment, when we closely look at the skin-pattern of “Oriental fire-bellied Toads” we can see that they have direction lines on the front of their beak/belly.
See illustrated presentation: http://www.sharp-sighted.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid=160
Conclusion: This Fire pattern works as a clock-like alignment-system that helps as a precise hold-on for the Toad’s view to catch insects.
If our reporting has informed or inspired you, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, empowers us to continue delivering accurate, engaging, and trustworthy science and medical news. Independent journalism requires time, effort, and resources—your support ensures we can keep uncovering the stories that matter most to you.
Join us in making knowledge accessible and impactful. Thank you for standing with us!