Student Article
Birds and Reptiles Cry Tears Like Humans
Sodium (noun): A type of salt found in tears.
Calcium (noun): A mineral that helps keep bones and teeth strong.
Protein (noun): A nutrient that helps build and repair body tissues.
Urea (noun): A waste product that animals make when their bodies break down protein from food.
Adapted (verb): Changed in order to survive in a new environment.
Did you know that birds and reptiles cry tears just like humans? Scientists found out that their tears contain many of the same things as our tears, like sodium, calcium, and proteins. These things help keep eyes healthy.
How did scientists find this out?
A team of scientists from Brazil used special strips to collect tears from different birds and reptiles. They studied tears from animals like parrots, owls, hawks, caimans, tortoises, and sea turtles.
What did they discover?
The scientists found that bird and reptile tears have similar amounts of important substances as human tears. Some animals, like owls and sea turtles, had even more of certain things, like urea and protein. When the tears dried, they made different crystal patterns, which can help find eye diseases.
Why is this important?
Learning about these tears can help scientists make better eye treatments for both animals and humans. It also helps us understand how these animals have adapted to their environments.
© Alice Lipscombe-Southwell / Our Media
Sodium (noun): A type of salt found in tears.
Calcium (noun): A mineral that helps keep bones and teeth strong.
Protein (noun): A nutrient that helps build and repair body tissues.
Urea (noun): A waste product that animals make when their bodies break down protein from food.
Adapted (verb): Changed in order to survive in a new environment.