Animal Ears Explain the Evolution of Warm-Bloodedness

A study shows that the size of ancient animals' ear canals could crack one of the 'great unsolved mysteries of paleontology.’

By Sam Walters
Jul 20, 2022 9:00 PM
warm-blooded-mammals
A mammaliamorph breathing out hot hair in a frigid night, hinting at endothermy (warm-bloodedness).(Credit: Luzia Soares)

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All mammals are warm-blooded, meaning that their bodies maintain their temperatures internally and independently of the temperature of their surroundings. This physiological feature is imperative in allowing mammals to survive and to stay toasty through the coldest conditions. But, despite its importance, the best way to determine when warm-bloodedness initially developed remains a mystery.

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