Scientists Reveal This Now-Extinct Lizard Had Four Eyes

4/3/2018
Updated:
4/3/2018

An international team of scientists has discovered a now-extinct monitor lizard that had four eyes; making it the first known jawed vertebrate to have such a characteristic.

The third and fourth eyes, known as pineal and parapineal organs, were located on top of the lizard’s head. The two structures played key roles in things such as orientation and circadian sleep cycles.

Scientists say the discovery helps distinguish differences between other three-eyed jawed vertebrates.

Credit: GeoBeats