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 Introduction
Bald Eagle
Bats
California Sea Lion
Gray Whale
Monarch Butterfly
Mountain Lion
The Eyes Have
It
The California sea lion is probably the most commonly seen pinniped along our coast. It has distinct external ears, large eyes, and elongated front flippers. |
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California Sea Lion
 Sea lions spend most of their lives in water, where light is refracted (bent), absorbed, and scattered. Under water, distances between objects are distorted and the environment is often dark and murky.
A sea lion's eyes are well-adapted to underwater life. Its corneas and lenses are shaped to compensate for light refraction. Its eyes have many rod cells, which work in dimly lit environments. Behind the retina of each eye is a reflective membrane called the tapetum lucidum. The tapetum lucidum reflects light back through the retina, giving it a second chance to absorb the light.
Ocean Oasis: California Sea Lions
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