Researchers have determined the timeline for when seals and other pinnipeds developed their unique ability to hear effectively both in air and underwater. The study involved scanning the ears of hundreds of marine mammals.
The research team scanned the ears of hundreds of marine mammals to deduce when pinnipeds evolved to hear well in both air and water. While the specific researchers or institutions were not named in the source, the findings shed light on a key adaptation that allowed seals to thrive in amphibious environments.
The study focused on understanding *how* pinnipeds – including seals, sea lions, and walruses – transitioned from primarily aquatic hearing to being able to effectively process sound in both water and air. The researchers’ ear scans provided data points for establishing a timeline of this evolutionary development. The source does not specify the exact timeframe determined by the study, but confirms that it was a “long, long time ago.”
The *why* behind this research is to understand the evolutionary history of these animals and how they adapted to their unique lifestyle. By examining the anatomy of their ears, scientists can gain insights into the pressures that drove the development of amphibious hearing.
We don't rate truth. We strip the spin and show you which perspectives covered the story. You decide.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy