Our ears could have started evolutionary life as a tube for breathing, say scientists....
Ancient fish have a narrow channel from the roof of the skull into the mouth, known as a spiracle...
Some have previously speculated that our ancient ears may have had a role in breathing.
On the basis of this new fossil evidence, the team speculates that the widened spiracle may have served Panderichthys much like the breathing holes used by modern-day sharks and rays. These allow the fish to inhale water over their gills while lying on the seabed, and avoid gulping in grit through the mouth.
| The demonstration of an organ evolving provides tangible evidence against the idea, put forward by some proponents of creationism, that sensory organs are so intricate that they must have been designed by a higher being. Brazeau says: "It's a slap in the face to that kind of thinking." |
(I know, but this was taught to me years ago by an evo-teacher. Later on, I learned embryology--and the teachers of the real subject never even mentioned evolution. That's because real science--not fanciful speculation--is practical.)