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Book 32, Question 74 · Video

How can a crocodile see underwater?

Video · 1:46 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 32

A crocodile has a clear extra eyelid that slides across the eye from the side. It works like swim goggles. The eye stays moist and protected while the animal can still see in the water. Its eyes sit high on its head, so it can look out while floating with the rest of its body hidden below. It also sees well in dim light.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can a crocodile see underwater?

The Big Idea

Crocodiles hunt in murky water. They keep their eyes open! How can a crocodile see underwater?

Clear Eyelid

Step one: Clear Eyelid. A crocodile has a clear extra eyelid that slides across the eye from the side. It works like swim goggles.

Protected Eyes

Step two: Protected Eyes. The eye stays moist and protected while the animal can still see in the water. Many birds and some sharks have a similar eyelid.

High Eyes

Step three: High Eyes. Its eyes sit high on its head, so it can look out while floating with the rest of its body hidden. It also sees well in dim light.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Slides across. Kept in. Look out. Seen well.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The clear eyelid is called a nictitating membrane. It works like goggles. Crocodiles see well in dim light. Their eyes sit high on the head.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Put on swim goggles or safety glasses, not in water. Look around the room. Notice how you can still see clearly. Think of how a crocodile sees through its clear eyelid. Take them off and compare.

Outro

A crocodile has a clear extra eyelid called a nictitating membrane that slides across like goggles, protecting the eye while it sees underwater. Its eyes sit high on its head and work well in dim light. Science is amazing! The world is full of surprises. Keep asking big questions, and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this