Diving seabirds need to account for the bending of light because it affects how they perceive the location of their prey underwater. When light travels from water to air or vice versa, it bends due to the change in density between the two mediums. This bending of light causes objects to appear displaced from their actual position, especially when viewed from the air into the water.
For diving seabirds, this optical effect is crucial to consider as they hunt for prey beneath the water's surface. If they don't adjust for the bending of light, they may misjudge the location of their prey and miss capturing it. By accounting for this bending of light, diving seabirds can accurately dive into the water to catch their prey at the correct spot.
In essence, understanding and compensating for the bending of light helps diving seabirds successfully locate and catch their prey underwater, showcasing their remarkable adaptability and hunting skills in the marine environment.