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Ear and hearing in Sphenodon punctatus.

C Gans, E G Wever

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|November 1, 1976

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Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) possess a surprisingly sensitive auditory system, particularly for low-frequency sounds. Their well-developed inner ear effectively processes sound, aligning with their vocalization frequencies.

Area of Science:

Zoology
Bioacoustics
Comparative Anatomy

Background:

The tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) is a unique reptile with limited research on its auditory capabilities.
Understanding the sensory systems of basal reptiles provides insights into vertebrate evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the auditory anatomy and sound reception capabilities of Sphenodon punctatus.
To correlate auditory sensitivity with the animal's vocalization characteristics.

Main Methods:

Anatomical observations of the tuatara ear.
Electrophysiological measurements using cochlear potentials in a living specimen.
Analysis of sound reception sensitivity across different frequencies (100-900 Hz).

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

Sphenodon punctatus exhibits good auditory sensitivity in low tones (100-900 Hz), with peak sensitivity between 200-400 Hz.
The inner ear is well-developed, featuring a tectorial membrane connected to a tectorial plate.
The optimal hearing range corresponds with the dominant frequencies of tuatara vocalizations.

Conclusions:

Despite lacking an external ear opening and a functional tympanic membrane, the tuatara possesses a sophisticated auditory system.
The auditory system is adapted to detect biologically relevant sounds, particularly its own vocalizations.