Sea urchins have more than big eyes; their entire bodies are essentially eyes! They may not be the complex ocular instruments we’re used to living with, but in the true definition of an eye, nearly their entire body can sense light. University of Gothenburg researchers recently discovered that the gene connected to the development of light sensitive tissue in the human eye is extremely prevalent in sea urchins. They were surprised, while searching for these previously unknown eyes, to find that nearly their entire body is covered in the light-sensitive cells. The base and tips of the numerous feet are covered making it possible for urchins to see in all directions and even use the shadow of its skeleton for more complex tasks. These little creatures truly do have eyes in the back of their heads, so next time you go to pick one up remember, they’re watching you…

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Sea Urchins See With Their Whole Body