Scientists have recently discovered that a rare mollusk species called the Acanthopleura granulate apparently possesses hundreds of eyes in layers, on top of its shell. Most mollusks trade off their eyesight for protection using harder, stronger shells, however, this particular one is successful in possessing both attributes.

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The Acanthopleura granulate belongs to a chiton species under a class of marine mollusks clad in armor. Other species have eyes that are made from proteins, however, the Acanthopleura granulate's hundreds of eyes are made from a calcium known as aragonite that are also found in many mollusks.

The pearls of oysters are made from a protein combination of conchiolin and aragonite however, the granulate's lenses and shells are both made from aragonite.

According to author of the study, Ling Li from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, these eyes allow the creature to scan its environment under a protective armor shell where most of the shell is opaque while the eyes are transparent.

In this new study, the mollusk's eyes are apparently similar to human eyes where the lenses focus on light and are capable of producing real images. Researchers measured the mollusk's eye focusing abilities where they examined those eyes under a microscope. They discovered that each mollusk eye is capable of producing small, pixelated images since their retinas are so tiny that they can only contain limited receptors.

This rare mollusk species also do not need extra sharp focus to escape from a predator, and when they sense any danger, they often hide between rocks until there are no longer any threats in their environment.

Apart from this, researchers also found out that this species already evolved to have several defense mechanisms. One of which is that they can grow up to 1,000 eyes, forming several clusters that help them to see from various angles and points.

Throughout their lifetime, this mollusk can also grow more eyes when some are damaged, replacing them with new ones. Damage to their eyes is not entirely fatal as this cannot penetrate deeply due to the aragonite.

With this new study, scientists are hoping that their discovery might lead to future material applications for military technology that could operate in various conditions. This can also lead to the development of new technology such as heavy duty eye wear for soldiers on the field.

This new study is published in the journal Science. 

Tagsmollusk hundreds eyes shell, mollusk eyes shell armor, mollusk special armor eyes, mollusk shell hundreds eyes, eyes made of armor mollusk, mollusks, chiton mollusk, Acanthopleura granulate, marine mollusks, MIT