Question

What ancestral function did the ear muscles perform before becoming weakly developed in humans?

Options

• Facilitated mastication in conjunction with wisdom teeth

• Moistened and cleansed the corneal surface of the eye

• Helped move the external ear more effectively

• Supported the caudal vertebrae during locomotion

Answer 1

Ear muscles helped ancestors move the external ear (pinna) more effectively to detect sounds. In humans, these muscles persist in a weakly developed, non-functional state.