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WASHINGTON — Scientists have answered a longstanding question about mammalian evolution, examining ear anatomy of living and extinct mammals and their close relatives to determine when warm-bloodedness — a trait integral to the lineage's success — first emerged. Researchers said on Wednesday (July 20) that the reduced size of inner ear structures called semicircular canals — small, fluid-filled tubes that...

Scientists reveal origin of mammal evolution milestone: warm-bloodedness

Get latest articles and stories on Science at LatestLY. Washington [U. Warm-bloodedness is a key mammal trait, but it's been a mystery when our ancestors evolved it. A new study points to an unlikely source for telling a fossil animal's body temperature: the size of tiny structures in their inner ears. The fluid in our ears becomes runnier at higher temperatures, so animals with warm bodies don't need as big of canals for it to flow through. Turns out, mammal ancestors became warm-blooded nearly 20 million years later than previously thought. Science News | Size of Mammal Ancestors' Ear Canal...

Endothermy developed in mammalian ancestors about 233 million years ago during the Late Triassic period

Warm-bloodedness evolved 233 million years ago in creatures of the late lizard lineage. This arose during a time of climate instability and the animals needed to regulate body temperature.