By NewsBlogger Recent paleontological research has uncovered new insights into the evolution of hearing in early mammals, specifically through the examination of fossils from the Jurassic Period that demonstrate the transition of bones from the jaw joint to the middle ear in two different species.
At a glance
- New insights into the evolution of hearing in early mammals from recent paleontological research
- Fossils from the Jurassic Period showing transition of bones from jaw joint to middle ear
- Two species with gradual changes in jaw joint function towards hearing specialization
- Compelling evidence of transitional phases in mammalian middle ear evolution challenging previous assumptions
- Significant advancement in understanding mammalian evolution through study of bone transition from reptile jaws to mammal middle ears
The details
Recent paleontological research has revealed new insights into the evolution of hearing in early mammals.
Fossils from the Jurassic Period have provided valuable information about the transition of bones from the jaw joint to the middle ear.
These fossils belong to two different species, showing gradual changes in the function of the jaw joint towards hearing specialization.
The morganucodontan-like species exhibit new postdentary bone structures, while the shuotheriid species display characteristics tailored for auditory function.
The fossils offer compelling evidence of transitional phases in the evolution of the mammalian middle ear, challenging previous assumptions about its original state.
This research significantly contributes to our understanding of mammaliaform development by answering long-standing questions about middle ear evolution in mammal relatives.
It highlights incremental modifications in the evolutionary process of adaptation that have led to advanced hearing systems in modern animals.
Furthermore, the results provide valuable insights into how tissues like the ossified Meckel’s cartilage have played a role in the shift from jaw movement to hearing ability.
Researchers can track the evolution of middle ear ossicles by examining traits such as the medial displacement of the quadrate in relation to the articular.
By clarifying the transition of bones in the lower jaws of reptiles to tiny bones in the middle ears of mammals, this study represents a significant advancement in understanding mammalian evolution.
In a separate discovery, large fossilized bone fragments have been discovered in Western and Central Europe dating back to the 19th century.
There was controversy surrounding the identification of the animal group to which these bones belonged.
However, a study conducted at the University of Bonn suggests that these bones come from a colossal ichthyosaur, a marine reptile that could grow up to 25 to 30 meters in length.
The microstructure of the fossils bears a strong resemblance to those of large ichthyosaurs found in Canada, confirming their likely origin from an ichthyosaur.
These sea creatures lived in ancient oceans around 250 million years ago and had bone structures that allowed for rapid growth and stability.
The study, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service, emphasizes the importance of ongoing fieldwork and research to gain a deeper understanding of the development of hearing in early animals.
Excavations were further supported by the NRW Office for the Preservation of Archaeological Heritage, underscoring the significance of these findings in the realm of paleontology.
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| scitechdaily.com |
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| – Recent paleontological research has provided insights into the evolution of hearing in early mammals – Fossils from the Jurassic Period have helped trace the shift of bones from the jaw joint to the middle ear – |
| The fossils are of two different species, showing gradual changes in the jaw joint’s function towards hearing specialization – The morganucodontan-like species have new postdentary bone structures, while the shuotheriid species show characteristics suited for auditory function – |
| The fossils offer evidence of transitional phases in the evolution of the mammalian middle ear – The research revises prior ideas about the original state of the mammalian middle ear – The study enhances understanding of mammaliaform development by resolving questions about middle ear evolution in mammal relatives – The fossils demonstrate incremental modifications in the evolutionary process of adaptation leading to advanced hearing systems in modern animals – The results provide insight into how tissues like the ossified Meckel’s cartilage contributed to the shift from jaw movement to hearing ability – Researchers can track the evolution of middle ear ossicles by studying traits like the medial displacement of the quadrate in reference to the articular – The findings clarify the transition of bones in the lower jaws of reptiles to tiny bones in the middle ears of mammals – |
| The research team highlights these findings as important advancements in understanding mammalian evolution – Researchers aim to gain greater insights into the development of hearing in early animals through ongoing fieldwork and research. |
| scitechdaily.com |
|---|
| – Large, fossilized bone fragments have been discovered in Western and Central Europe since the 19th century – Debate has surrounded the animal group to which these bones belonged – A study at the University of Bonn suggests the bones come from a gigantic ichthyosaur – Ichthyosaurs could reach 25 to 30 meters in length – Fossil remains from the time of these animals have been found in sediment in Europe – |
| The bone fragments were initially thought to be from a labyrinthodontia or long-necked dinosaurs – The microstructure of the fossils indicates they come from ichthyosaurs – The bone wall structure is similar to that of fossils from large ichthyosaurs in Canada – |
| The fossils likely come from the lower jaw of a sea creature – Ichthyosaurs lived in ancient oceans around 250 million years ago – The bone structure of ichthyosaurs allowed for fast growth and stability – |
| The study was funded by the German Academic Exchange Service and the excavations were funded by the NRW Office for the Preservation of Archaeological Heritage |
