title: The role of the amphibians in the evolution of the vertebrate ear.
abstract: Serious question is raised concerning the commonly accepted view of the evolution of the vertebrate ear, which postulates a single line of development from fishes to mammals. The amphibian ear does not fit into this progression, for it differs both in basic structure and in the mechanics of operation. The amphibian ear is unique, and must have arisen from the labyrinthine structures of primitive fishes quite independently of the principal line that runs through the reptiles, birds, and mammals.
mesh_terms: D000663:Amphibians / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004423:Ear / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D011894:Rana pipiens; D012104:Reptiles