Why might evolution have selected against complex eyes in some Stomiiformes?
Answer
Reliance on pressure changes and light signatures for hunting
Despite being part of the Phylum Chordata, which includes vertebrates with highly developed vision, the extreme darkness of the deep sea has shifted sensory requirements. The survival of these fish relies more on detecting faint light signatures or sensing physical pressure changes in the water. Consequently, evolutionary pressure has often favored the development of specialized sensory apparatuses over the maintenance of complex, high-resolution visual systems, as the environment does not provide enough ambient light to support traditional sight-based hunting strategies.
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