Evolution of the cochlea Thus evidence from fossils demonstrate homoplasies for the detachment of the ear from the jaw. Furthermore, it is apparent that the land-based eardrum, or tympanic membrane, and connecting structures such as the Eustachian tube evolved convergently in multiple different settings as opposed to being a defining morphology. Evolution of the cochlea Cochlea is Latin for “snail, shell or screw” and originates from the Greek word κοχλίας "kohlias". The modern definition, the auditory portion of the inner ear, originated in the late 17th century. Within the mammalian cochlea exists the organ of Corti, which contains hair cells that are responsible for
Evolution of the cochlea forces for the larger cochlear labyrinth may have started after the basal primate node. Mammals are the subject of a substantial amount of research not only because of the potential knowledge to be gained regarding humans, but also because of their rich and abundant representation in the fossil record. The spiral shape of the cochlea evolved later on in the evolutionary pathway of mammals than previously believed, just before the therians split into the two lineages marsupials and placentals, about 120 million years ago. Parallel to the evolution of the cochlea, prestins show an increased rate of evolution in therian