Abstract

Disconjugate eye movements are a feature of some animal species, but it is unknown whether white sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, possess independent eye moments, as well. Here, the question of what it could mean if they exhibited this ability is discussed. Video evidence shows the possibility of independent eye movements with a white shark looking at two distinct targets aimed at them consecutively. Different interpretations of the videos core frames are discussed with disconjugate optokinetic stimulation as the most highly advanced possible explanation of this observation. Such an ability would enable a white shark to scan its entire visual field and confer an advantage in terms of being able to observe two prospective food sources on either side of its head, allowing it to decide which target represents the more likely success. Such a mechanism could help to explain the high success rate of white sharks when hunting down very agile pinnipeds.

Keywords:Behavior; Disconjugate optokinesis; Eye movement; Hunting; White shark