Subject: Evolution of the auditory system From: "pc1kb (Kevin L. Baker)" <pc1kb(at)SUNC.SHEFFIELD.AC.UK> Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1993 11:22:43 BSTHello everybody, I'm doing a little (!) bit of informal research for a paper on the evolution of the auditory system. Comparative studies into the auditory physiologies of different animals have been useful in thinking about our own auditory system, and indeed many animals auditory systems are interesting in their own right (dolphins', bats', blind moles', etc). From these studies it is often helpful to consider the demands of the environments each animal has adapted towards for efficient survival. The process of adaptation can often reveal some insight into the functionality of certain parts of the auditory system. I was intrigued when I started to think about the evolution of the auditory system within different species. There is no doubt that many auditory systems are highly developed, intricate and very specialised systems, but I can't seem to find any work on how they may have evolved to become so? Does the fact that many auditory systems are delicate in their physiology mean that there is no fossil record, and hence no phylogenic 'story' of auditory awareness? I would be grateful for any references, ideas, anecdotes, correspondence, research proposals (and grants!!), etc, from anyone with a similar interest. Does anyone know a palaeontologist who would be interested in this? Many thanks, KeViN * Kevin L. Baker * * Dept. of Psychology, University of Sheffield * * PO Box 603, Sheffield, S10 2UR, UK * * Tel: +44 742 826541 Fax: +44 742 766515 * * * * email: pc1kb(at)sunc.sheffield.ac.uk *