The world's biggest squid species have developed huge eyes to give early warning of approaching sperm whales.
Colossal and giant squid both have eyes that can measure 27cm (11in) across - much bigger than any fish.
Scientists found that huge eyes offer no advantages in the murky ocean depths other than making it easier to spot enormous shapes - such as sperm whales.
Writing in current Biology journal, they say this could explain the equally huge eyes of fossil ichthyosaurs.
Lead scientist Dan Nilsson from Lund University in Sweden was present at the unique dissection of a colossal squid performed four years ago in New Zealand.
There, he examined and handled the eyes - in particular, the hard parts of the lens.
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