Author Archives: paleololigo

Scientist (Paleontology, Geochemistry, Geology); Writer (Speculative and Science Fiction, plus technical and non-technical Science); Mom to great boy on the Autism spectrum; possessor of too many hobbies.

… In Which the Author Jaws About Ears

So here’s the thing…

We all know that the jaw joint is basically a hinge. The lower jaw pivots at this point to open and close the mouth. For most animals, the lower jaw is a solid piece that contains teeth that works against the solid upper jaw that also has teeth.

Every animal that has a jaw has the same joint, between the articular bone in the lower jaw and the quadrate bone in the upper jaw. Fish are like this. Frogs, lizards, snakes, crocodiles, birds, turtles…. Everything.

Except Mammals. Naturally.Continue reading “… In Which the Author Jaws About Ears”