Reptiles and birds produce tears similar to ours, and studying their composition is important in many respects
At first glance we humans have very little in common with birds and reptiles, yet we cry similar tears.
A group of Brazilian researchers took and analyzed tear fluid samples from seven species of birds and reptiles discovering similarities between the composition of theirs and our tears.
Studying the tears of a kind e the similarities and differences between tears of mammals and those of turtles, caimans, parrots, owls and hawks is important and useful for several reasons.
In the first place, similar research can help develop new treatments for eye diseases affecting humans and animals.
In addition, studying the composition of tears from other species can provide useful information for understanding them evolutionary adaptations of animals and also to assess the state of health of the environment.
Our tears are all different, no 2 are alike
In fact, tears are one of the body fluids most exposed toexternal environment and their composition reflects the external conditions: if the environment changes, even the tears will change, adapting to the new conditions.
However, changes in tear fluid can have a negative impact on eye health, as they can worsen the eyesight of animals, essential for their survival in the wild, or make species more vulnerable to infections and eye diseases.
Studying the composition and changes of tears in wild species therefore offers us the possibility of assess the health of habitats natural and pollution levels and to act to restore ideal conditions to conserve and protect the environment and the animals that live there.
Reference source: Frontiers
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