Eye see you.

Why do you have eyes on your face instead of the sides of your head? Is it so you won't have to turn sideways to have a conversation? Actually, it has much more to do with stalking than talking face it, you're a hunter.

Your eyes normally move together and in the same direction. So both eyes see the same image, but at a slightly different angle. This is called binocular (buy-NOCK-you-ler) vision. Because both eyes are able to view the same image, it is much clearer than if one eye had to do all the work alone.

Since each eye has a slightly different view of the same object, you're better able to judge distance. This is called depth perception. It's an ability we share with lions, owls, wolves, and other creatures that earn a meal the old fashioned way--by chasing it.

The animals being chased often have a different eye arrangement. Antelope and other prey species usually have one eye on either side of their head. This is called monocular (maw-NOCK-you-ler) vision.

These animals may not see as clearly as we do, but they are able to scan a much wider field of view. This is vital for animals that need to keep a lookout for those lions, tigers, and- yes--people who want to have them over for dinner.

Monocular vision lets prey animals focus on two things at once--their dinner and certain uninvited guests

Elephants use monocular vision to protect themselves. Binocular vision lets them use their trunks more

Illustrated by Craig Gosling