Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Cochlear Surface Preparation in the Adult Mouse
Published on: November 6, 2019
Comparative aspects of cochlear functional organization in mammals
Marianne Vater1, Manfred Kössl
1Institut Biochemie und Biologie, Allgemeine Zoologie, Universität Potsdam, Karl Liebknecht Str. 26, 14476 Golm, Germany. vater@uni-potsdam.de
Abstract:
This review addresses the functional organization of the mammalian cochlea under a comparative and evolutionary perspective. A comparison of the monotreme cochlea with that of marsupial and placental mammals highlights important evolutionary steps towards a hearing organ dedicated to process higher frequencies and a larger frequency range than found in non-mammalian vertebrates. Among placental mammals, there are numerous cochlear specializations which relate to hearing range in adaptation to specific habitats that are superimposed on a common basic design. These are illustrated by examples of specialist ears which evolved excellent high frequency hearing and echolocation (bats and dolphins) and by the example of subterranean rodents with ears devoted to processing low frequencies. Furthermore, structural functional correlations important for tonotopic cochlear organization and predictions of hearing capabilities are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
The Cochlea
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
Anatomy of the Ear
Hair Cells
Hearing
Auditory Perception

