The capability of sensing somebody’s directional gaze is not new to human beings, as had been previously presumed; this was according to research undertaken by scientists belonging to different institutions, such as the National University of Singapore, Scotland’s University of St Andrews, and Leiden University in the Netherlands.
The study discovered that the different color patterns located in human eyes are pivotal in aiding vision. Nevertheless, they are not unique to people as they were also found in bonobos and chimpanzees.
Color patterns in human eyes
The researchers disclosed that the distinction between the colorful irises, the sclera, and the white part of human eyes is instrumental in enabling other people to predict a person’s directional gaze. As a result, human capabilities, such as social learning, are dependent on this attribute.
Previously, scientists thought that the gaze of apes, such as chimpanzees, was cryptic or hidden because the sclera of their eyes is usually darker thus hindering other apes from detecting their directional gaze.
The new study undertaken has, however, revealed that this darkness does not prevent directional gaze because apes have different color patterns as humans.
Directional gaze fundamental in human communication
According to Juan O Perea-Garcia, a Biological Sciences departmental member at the National University of Singapore, before humans started using language, they relied on directional gaze from others for communication purposes.
For instance, if a predator was detected, a directional look was enough to communicate the roaming danger.
Moreover, comprehending the direction at which someone is looking is crucial in understanding their interests and thoughts.
The scientists undertaking the new study asserted that Bonobos have similar darker irises and paler sclera as humans. Nevertheless, chimpanzees have paler irises and very dark sclera.
These different color patterns in both apes, however, show the same contrast depicted by human eyes. As a result, a directional gaze is prompted.
On the other hand, in China, human-monkey embryos were recently made. The human brain has also been found to be unique because it comprises of millions of structures that have from seven (7) to eleven (11) dimensions.
