Computed-tomography scans of 245 million-year-old fossil shed light on evolution of inner ear of birds, crocodiles

[PhysOrg]

Birds have a very successful history and rich fossil record that includes dinosaurs and dates back to 250 million years. They are famous for flying and singing and have complex ways of doing both. It is known that these two abilities are related to the inner ear, but researchers still did not understand how their inner ear evolved—until now. Application of computed-tomography techniques on a 245 million-year-old fossil allowed a team of researchers to see inside its inner ear. They have shown that bird ancestors were also agile animals and possessed a refined hearing sense.

 

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