New study shows shark inner ear shapes vary more than expected
A research team led by Cal Poly Humboldt students and a professor published findings in The Anatomical Record about the anatomy of ten shark species.
Researchers used CT scans to examine ears
The study digitally dissected the heads of ten different shark species to look at their inner-ear structures. Scientists expected ecology like diet and habitat to shape these organs similar to other vertebrates. Instead, the analysis revealed far more variation than researchers had anticipated.
Variation suggests evolutionary history matters most
The team found that differences in ear shape likely reflect evolutionary history rather than environmental factors. This conclusion applies to a wide range of sharks from tiny lantern sharks to deep-sea gulper sharks. The results challenge previous assumptions about how environment influences vertebrate anatomy.
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