What is the protective inner eyelid called that shields the white shark's eye during impact?
Answer
Nictitating membrane
The white shark possesses large, dark eyes adapted for varying light conditions, but it also has a mechanism to protect this vulnerable organ during aggressive actions. This mechanism is a protective inner eyelid referred to as the nictitating membrane. This membrane can be drawn across the eye just prior to impact with prey or during forceful maneuvering through abrasive debris in the water. This action shields the delicate eye structure from physical injury, ensuring the shark maintains its complex visual acuity during feeding or interaction with its environment.
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