A recent study reveals that the flexible cartilage structures in fish gills are genetically linked to the cartilage in mammalian outer ears. Although these structures serve different functions—breathing in fish and sound capturing in mammals—the underlying gene networks share a common ancestry. As vertebrates adapted to land, the gene network originally used for gills was co-opted to develop the outer ear, illustrating the recycling principle of evolution. This adaptability has led to the diverse ear shapes in mammals, catering to various auditory needs, showcasing evolutionary innovation from ancient structures.
Evolution, as a master recycler, utilizes ancient gene networks to repurpose structures; the mammalian outer ear evolved from gill cartilage of fish ancestors.
The gene regulatory network that initially formed fish gills was repurposed in mammals, illustrating how evolution can adapt existing structures for new functions.
As mammals moved onto land, the cartilage that formed gills was no longer needed for breathing, allowing evolution to innovate and create the outer ear.
Ears of different mammals showcase the evolutionary versatility of cartilage, taking old genetic frameworks and adapting them into diverse structures for sound detection.
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