Seals’ amphibious hearing developed a long, long time ago

Samples from hundreds of marine mammals show the evolution of specialized ear tissue

A baby brown fur seal's head, with its mouth covered in sand and one ear showing.

Although not all pinnipeds have visible ears, like this baby brown fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus), their hearing is unique among mammals.

annick vanderschelden photography/Moment/Getty Images Plus

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