h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

When humans look at, or talk to each other, we look into each other's eyes.

When an animal looks at you it also looks into your eyes.

How do they know? How come they look into our eyes just the way a person does?

Because we are closer to animals than we like to think.

Remember, something like a mere ten per cent of communication between people is verbal...

Rabbits don't. But then, they don't have very good near vision - when you see a rabbit bob his head up and down, he's trying to see focus on something close. They do use complicated body language to communicate, though.

I've always found this aspect fascinating. I think it's because we're related. It is a basic part of communication that has existed for millenia upon millenia.

Mammals look each other in the eye. Is it the case with birds and reptiles? Do insects?

Good question Gosho!

Ste

I think it depends on the type and placing of the eyes.

Humans and most mammals have two eyes looking at the same point to see depth. Lots of birds and fishes have eyes looking in different directions in order to see predators earlier.
Insects usually have facet eyes looking in all directions.

Looking at mammalian eyes gives the most information about their intentions.

Humans are animals, theres no getting away from it!

What else could we be? Plant or mineral?!

There's a section in Last Chance to See about this. In the Zaire chapter. Everyone go and read it. Now.

Don't think you can hypnotise me that way.

I advise everyone to lock eyes with their cat and see who wins

A good general rule is that if it hunts, it'll have eyes facing forward for depth perception; if it's hunted, it'll have eyes to the sides for maximum field of view.

*locked eyes with cat for 30 seconds*

*cat went to sleep*

Don't try this with your !!!

Last Chance to See pages 94-96.

Some animals:







yay!

for butting in

All the s I've ever had have looked away after about five seconds...

I'm not going to admit to nearly posting and asking what an esuom was.

Doh!

. Why, it's sort of like a mouse, and sort of like a hsif.

** did not lock eyes with **
went to sleep.

With cats, it depends whether you narrow your eyes or not. One is appeasing & the cat will probably come & sit on you, the other is dominating & the cat will look away.
Someone else who knows more about cat psychology can tell me which is which!

This question was really asked the wrong way around wasn´t it? If all the animals do it, it would be strange if humans didn´t as well.