Why do prey have eyes at the side of their head?

Many prey species have eyes on the sides of their heads to provide them with a wider field of vision. This allows them to detect predators more easily and quickly, giving them a better chance of escaping. Some prey animals, like rabbits and deer, have eyes that protrude from the sides of their heads, which gives them an almost 360-degree field of vision. This helps them to stay alert to potential threats from all directions. Other prey animals, like horses and cows, have eyes positioned more forward on their heads. While this gives them a narrower field of vision, it also allows them to focus better on objects in front of them, which is helpful for grazing. By having their eyes on the sides of their heads, prey animals are able to increase their chances of survival in the wild.