Hearing Organ Evolution and Specialization: Early and Later Mammals

摘要: An enormous amount of data is available on the structure and function mammalian cochlea hearing characteristics. Most this knowledge derived from studies placental mammals, which only one three groups mammals that exist today. There are a few ears characteristics other two living groups, monotremes marsupials, recently have fossil specimens with sufficiently preserved inner become document important steps in evolution ear early Cretaceous up to present. Mammals an ancient group among terrestrial vertebrates arose mammal-like reptiles probably during Triassic. The diagnostic features clearly separate mammal its reptilian ancestors tetrapods include property apparatus, namely presence three-ossicle middle ear. This key innovation appears be prerequisite for capability high-frequency unique tetrapods. record demonstrates ossicles precedes elongated and, more condition, coiled capable high frequencies well above 10kHz.