Student Article
Birds and Reptiles Cry Tears Like Humans
Composition (noun): The way something is made or put together.
Electrolytes (noun): Minerals in the body that help keep it working properly.
Urea (noun): A waste product found in tears and urine.
Crystallization (noun): The process of forming crystals.
Adaptation (noun): A change in an organism that helps it survive in its environment.
Evolution (noun): The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and change over time.
Researchers have discovered that birds and reptiles cry tears similar to humans. These tears contain substances like sodium, calcium, and proteins, which are crucial for eye health. The study, led by Professor Arianne Oriá from Brazil's Federal University of Bahia, analyzed tears from various bird and reptile species to understand their composition and potential benefits for eye treatments.
How did scientists find this out?
The research team collected tear samples from birds and reptiles, including macaws, owls, hawks, caimans, tortoises, and sea turtles. They used Schirmer tear test strips to gather the tears and then analyzed their composition. The study revealed that bird and reptile tears have similar amounts of electrolytes to human tears, but some species, like owls and sea turtles, have higher levels of urea and protein.
What did they discover?
The researchers found that the crystallization patterns of dried tears varied among species. These patterns can help detect certain eye diseases. The unique tear composition of caimans and sea turtles may be an adaptation to their watery habitats, helping to keep their eyes healthy.
Why is this important? Understanding the similarities and differences in tears can help scientists develop better eye treatments for both animals and humans. It also provides insights into the evolution and adaptation of these species. Further research in this field could lead to improved treatments for optimizing eye health in various species.
© Alice Lipscombe-Southwell / Our Media
Composition (noun): The way something is made or put together.
Electrolytes (noun): Minerals in the body that help keep it working properly.
Urea (noun): A waste product found in tears and urine.
Crystallization (noun): The process of forming crystals.
Adaptation (noun): A change in an organism that helps it survive in its environment.
Evolution (noun): The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and change over time.