Northerners developed bigger eyes

People born and living in more northern parts of the world have developed bigger eyes and brains than their more southerly counterparts, according to scientists.

A study by a team at Oxford University's Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology measured the skulls of 55 humans from 12 regions of the world. Those from individuals based further from the equator were found to have larger skull volume and bigger eye sockets.

Having larger eyes and brains seems to have coincided with colonisation of northern Europe and Asia. Lead researcher Dr Eiluned Pearce explained the difference as an adaptation to longer nights and greyer skies.