Random question about Gecko vision

[Coby78]

Can geckos see straight in front of them like us, or two different visions on each side of them like birds? Also, can their eyes move, or can they only see different things by moving their head?

Just some questions I've been thinking about after talking about Leila's eyes and such.

 

[Dog Shrink]

Here's some great info on gecko vision.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507164407.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gecko

 

[Coby78]

Hmm, I'm still confused. The first article talked about the geckos having a multifocal optical system, but that's in each eye, yes? So even though they can see depth, that's not because their eyes are both looking forward, it's just how their eyes work. Or is it? :main_huh: But if I'm right, then it doesn't really answer my question, since while they might have those mulitfocal eyes, it doesn't mean the eyes are NOT forward on the face, or the opposite..

It was interesting to read about though, I admit! XD

 

[Dog Shrink]

I'm pretty sure the only reptile that has independantly moveable eyes are chameleon species. Im sure their eye mobility is highly limited and they would have to move their head to get a better look at things rather than moving their eyes up down left or right like we can. Hoping Seamus comes on and gives us an education here 'cause most of this is assumation from what I've read and know of mammals vison.

 

[TokayKeeper]

I'm pretty sure the only reptile that has independantly moveable eyes are chameleon species.

Also to include the "Anolis" Complex (Subfamily Polychrotinae) too. Their independent vision and, in some species, ability to color change is on the verge (not to sound redundant here...) of convergent evolution. A better example of such (convergent evolution), at least within the reptile world, would be Teiids (tegus, whiptail lizards, etc) compared to Varanids, or at a snake level green tree pythons compared to emerald tree boas. In this case, Teiids are somewhat a new world varanid and emerald tree boas are a new world green tree python. From a behavioral and niche standpoint, the new world species share very similar characteristics to that of their sister taxon from the old world.

At a more local, USA level one could even argue our banded gecko species (Coleonyx [...brevis, reticulatus, switaki, and variegatus) as convergent evolutionarily to leopard geckos.

I figured the reply would be more on par here than over in the Can geckos see in color thread.