Tigers Have A Pattern On Their Ears That Look Like A Set Of Spare Eyes

AmyBrown

Sep 16, 2019 1:00 PM EDT

Tigers are such incredible, strong and unique cats. What makes them unique? First of all, tigers are the largest cats in the world! They are the embodiment of bravery, competitiveness and self-confidence. The are also difference from other wildcats due to their solitary nature.

Not only that, they have a unique marking on the backs of their ears, a white spot that resembles that of a set of eyes. This marking is called 'ocelli,' according to Tigers.org. But why would an animal so dangerous need such a unique pattern? Find out below!

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01
Tigers have spots right on the back of their ears that look like eyes! But why?

via Tigers.org
02
Turns out, it's a defense mechanism where a prey animal mimics eyes of the predator animal even larger than them.

via Tigers.org
03
Tigers aren't the only species to have this defense mechanism, the feature is exhibited in a variety of species, from butterflies, to reptiles, fish and even birds (think peacock!)

via Tigers.org
04
But tigers are pretty high up there on the predator list, what purpose would they have for these prey defense markings?

via Tigers.org
05
There are two theories. 1. the ey-markings act as a form of intimidation and make it seem as if they're constantly watching and seeing everything around them, which discourages other animals from messing around.

via Tigers.org
06
Or theory 2, the markings help tigers communicate with one another and the display of the markings facing forwards is an act of aggression. When feeling threaten, tigers will twist their eyes so the backs are facing the front, exposing the eye markings

via Tigers.org
07
Some speculate that the markings are there for both theories listed above.

via Tigers.org
08
So to summarize, tigers have eye-like markings to appear larger, a big boss that's not to be messed with.

via Tigers.org

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Tigers Have A Pattern On Their Ears That Look Like A Set Of Spare Eyes

Tigers have spots right on the back of their ears that look like eyes! But why?

Turns out, it's a defense mechanism where a prey animal mimics eyes of the predator animal even larger than them.

Tigers aren't the only species to have this defense mechanism, the feature is exhibited in a variety of species, from butterflies, to reptiles, fish and even birds (think peacock!)

But tigers are pretty high up there on the predator list, what purpose would they have for these prey defense markings?

There are two theories. 1. the ey-markings act as a form of intimidation and make it seem as if they're constantly watching and seeing everything around them, which discourages other animals from messing around.

Or theory 2, the markings help tigers communicate with one another and the display of the markings facing forwards is an act of aggression. When feeling threaten, tigers will twist their eyes so the backs are facing the front, exposing the eye markings

Some speculate that the markings are there for both theories listed above.

So to summarize, tigers have eye-like markings to appear larger, a big boss that's not to be messed with.

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