How Barn Owls Use Exceptional Ears To Dominate The Night
Barn owls possess remarkable ears that allow them to hunt in complete darkness. Their heart-shaped facial disc channels sound waves, while asymmetrical eardrums enable precise sound localization. The spiral-shaped cochlea and auditory nerve convert sound into electrical signals, which the brain processes. Despite lacking external pinnae, internal ear flaps amplify and direct sound into their ears. This exceptional hearing enables them to triangulate prey movements and avoid predators in the night.
