Those interested in the evolution of humankind, from "Lucy" via Neadertals towards modern humans, dogs, wolves and fossil canids, current or interested micro- and nano- CT researchers, and those interested in the ear and its functions.  More specifically: palaeontologists, archaeologists, anthropologists, biologists...

Webinar Summary

• The use of MicroCT and NanoCT in fossil ear regionexamination
• Differentiation of Neandertals from modern humans
• Separation of wolves from dogs

The inner ear is a highly complex organ that has evolved over aeons. Even juveniles obtain a fully developed ear region often even before birth.  While the primary function of the ear is hearing, it also provides balance, and these are just a few of its functions. Luckily, the ear region can be used to obtain insights into taxonomy/phylogeny as it is often preserved in lithified records. Thus, the ear is a perfect remnant to study fossils and extant mammals, including humans and their ancestors like Neandertals, to gain more understanding on their evolution.

During this webinar, Dr. Stößel from the Max-Plank-Institute for Human History (Jena, Germany) presents the use of micro- and nano-CT to make distinctions between wolves, dogs and fossil canids. Furthermore, micro- and nano-CT derived results allow differentiation of modern humans from Neandertals, as well as insights about Neandertal's hearing and vocal communication.