this post was submitted on 23 May 2025
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submitted 1 week ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myotragus

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[–] [email protected] 33 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Not necessarily, with “genetic drift” random phenotypic changes can happen that have a neutral effect on fitness. So if they don’t need side-facing eyes, then this can just happen randomly. Especially if the sideways eyes are in some way “costly” to maintain

[–] [email protected] 13 points 1 week ago (2 children)

If sideways eyes are "costly" compared to forward facing eyes, then that would technically be a push for forward facing.

[–] [email protected] 27 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Or goats just find forward facing eyes to be sexier.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

There was an interesting study done with zebra finches. In it they glued fake mohawkes on males and found that females selected them over unaltered males, even though it didn't naturally occur in the species. So there is some precedence for the possibility that the forward facing eyes were simply "sexier".

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 week ago

I mean you can do a smoldering sexy look at someone if your eyes face sideways. Makes total sense.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Depth perception.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Derception.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

Derpception

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago

I've always wondered if there was a term for evolutionary changes that weren't needed!