Ear-flaps concentrate sound waves: mammals

1 of 2 Siberian tiger / S. Taheri / License

The external ear-flaps of many mammals aid hearing by concentrating sound waves.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Process information >
	Sense signals/environmental cues >
	Sound and other vibrations

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Muting or distributing sound waves from freeways, construction projects, etc. Amplification of waves to increase sensitivity for sensing.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"It is only among mammals that ears become noticeable, even striking, because of the visible external ear-flaps behind the narrow opening of the outer ear tube…The most obvious use of the ear-flap, though not necessarily the most important, is to gather and concentrate sound waves." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:167)

About the inspiring organism

Mammalia
Mammalia

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Muting or distributing sound waves from freeways, construction projects, etc. Amplification of waves to increase sensitivity for sensing.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Noise management, sensing

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

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