Study Shows That Moles Can Smell In Stereo

Study Shows That Moles Can Smell In Stereo

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We see in stereo — our eyes, both on the same plane, see at the same time. This helps us see in 3-D. Whereas most fish have eyes on either side of their head and thus see a different image in each eye. A new study suggests moles, which live underground and are almost blind, can smell in stereo. Even though their nostrils are close together, they can differentiate between smell intensities from different directions to find food.

Eastern American moles don’t see or hear very well, even compared to the rest of molekind. Skin and fur hide their tiny eyes, and their ears are only tuned to low frequencies. But they locate their earthworm prey with surprising speed and accuracy.