The vertebrate ear combines two main functions: balance and hearing. The vestibular part of the inner ear is the organ of equilibrium detecting head and body movements during locomotion (e.g., swimming, running, and flying).

What is vertebrate hearing?

In humans and other vertebrates, hearing is performed primarily by the auditory system: mechanical waves, known as vibrations, are detected by the ear and transduced into nerve impulses that are perceived by the brain (primarily in the temporal lobe).

Do all vertebrates have an inner ear?

A series of molecular biological experiments was able to clarify the issue. Analyzing the regulatory genes that control the development of the semicircular canals showed that the basic pattern of inner ear development is similar for all vertebrates, including lampreys and hagfish.