Derek Sauer: The inner ears of sharks

My research seeks to describe variation in the inner ear anatomy of sharks, in an effort to understand the evolution of hearing in sharks and other fishes. Accordingly, this image portrays the inner ears from six different New Zealand shark species, which showcase the variation among sharks in the shape and size of different parts of the inner ear. The background of each ear displays the variation in the sensory hair cells, which have been fluorescently stained for visualisation, found within each species’ inner ear that are used to detect sound. 

This image was uploaded for the SGS Research Showcase 2022.  

Choose your favourite image for the SGS Research Showcase People's Choice Award: Research Image category.