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Diagram showing the position of the sclerotic ring within a bird eye
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A skull of a Uroplatus (leaf-tailed gecko), showing large sclerotic rings
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The sclerotic ring of Ophthalmosaurus ("eye lizard") was one of the largest in the animal kingdom[1]
Sclerotic rings are rings of bone found in the eyes of many animals in several groups of vertebrates, except for extant mammals and crocodilians.[2] They can be made up of single bones or multiple segments[3] and take their name from the sclera. They are believed to have a role in supporting the eye, especially in animals whose eyes are not spherical, or which live underwater.[2] Fossil sclerotic rings are known for a variety of extinct animals, including ichthyosaurs, pterosaurs, and dinosaurs,[4] but are often not preserved.
References
- ^ Milner, Angela. "Ophthalmosaurus icenicus: Why did it have such large eyes?". Natural History Museum, London. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
- ^ a b Motani, Ryosuke (15 November 2001). "Eyes of Ichthyosaurs". UC Museum of Paleontology. Archived from the original on 17 December 2001. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
- ^ "Palaeos Vertebrates: Glossary S". Retrieved 2007-07-06.
- ^ Pigdon, Dann. "Re: Sclerotic ring in eyes". Retrieved 2007-07-06.