While this might seem unusual for such large, aquatic creatures, it makes sense for several reasons:
* Hunting: Whales often rely on their eyesight to locate and track prey, especially in murky waters. Binocular vision provides better depth perception, which is essential for accurately judging distances and aiming attacks.
* Navigation: Whales migrate long distances across vast stretches of ocean. Having eyes facing forward allows them to better navigate and avoid obstacles, especially in low-light conditions.
* Social interaction: Whales are highly social animals and rely on visual cues for communication. Forward-facing eyes allow them to see each other more clearly, facilitating interactions like mating and raising young.
So, while whales may seem like they should have eyes on the side like many other fish, their forward-facing eyes are actually a well-adapted feature that allows them to thrive in their challenging environment.