The owl is known for its unique head rotation ability, capable of rotating its head up to 270 degrees, while humans can rotate theirs only about 70 degrees.

This ability gives owls a significant advantage in hunting and evading predators.

Understanding the reasons behind this remarkable ability involves examining owl anatomy, blood supply, and biomechanics.

Most owls have 14 neck vertebrae, making their necks more flexible and allowing for a greater range of rotation.

Additionally, each vertebra has unique shapes and connections that permit more extensive rotation and bending. Notably, there is considerable space between the owl's neck vertebrae, enabling larger movements.

In most animals, rapid head movement could disrupt blood flow, leading to brain oxygen deficiency. However, owls have arteries with special expansions and connections.

Scientific research indicates that owl arteries have additional space, allowing blood to be stored in these expanded regions, ensuring continuous blood supply even during extreme rotations. Furthermore, the owl's blood vessels feature additional connections (anastomoses), forming alternative blood flow pathways to sustain brain perfusion.

Owls' eyes are positioned at the front of their heads, similar to humans, allowing them to accurately judge distance and capture movement. However, owl eyes are almost fixed within their eye sockets. As a result, they rely on head rotation to expand their field of view. This fixed eyeball structure underscores the importance of flexible neck rotation.

The neck muscles of owls are also highly developed, supporting extensive head rotation. These muscles are not only powerful but also flexible, enabling rapid and precise control of head movements.

As nocturnal predators, owls require efficient hunting at night. This necessity has driven the evolution of their neck rotation ability. Wide vision and quick reaction times are crucial for catching prey. By rotating their heads extensively, owls can observe their surroundings without moving their bodies, thereby increasing hunting efficiency and reducing exposure risk.

Comparison with humans:

Human neck structure is relatively simple, with only 7 vertebrae, limiting the range of head rotation. The joints and ligaments between human neck vertebrae primarily support the weight of the head and protect the spinal cord, thus making more compromises in stability and protection.

Human neck vertebrae are standardized in shape and arrangement, with tighter connections between each bone. This structure primarily supports the weight of the head and protects the spinal cord from injury.

The arterial system in humans is also simpler in the neck region, with the main arteries passing through the front of the vertebrae. While sufficient for daily life, this structure can lead to blood flow interruption and brain oxygen deficiency during rapid and extensive head rotation.

Conclusion:

The owl's head rotation ability stems from its unique neck structure, blood supply system, visual system, and highly adaptive biomechanics. In contrast, the human neck structure emphasizes stability and protective functions, limiting the range of head rotation.

Understanding these differences not only enhances our comprehension of this fascinating owl behavior but also provides a broader understanding of various adaptive changes in different species during evolution.