Using Comparative Auditory Morphology to Explore Sensory Adaptation in Extinct and Extant Red Pandas
Abstract
Modern red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) persist today across fragmented habitats of the eastern Himalayas, whereas extinct members of the family (Ailuridae) were more broadly distributed across much of the Northern Hemisphere during the late Miocene and early Pliocene. This disparity is likely the result of differences in ecological tolerances and/or behavior. Unfortunately, most fossil ailurids are fragmentary and/or poorly preserved. However, Pristinailurus bristoli, from the Gray Fossil Site of eastern TN, is represented by two nearly complete skeletons, including unusually well-preserved skulls, affording the opportunity to test that hypothesis. Preliminary analysis of dental morphology and locomotor adaptations of P. bristoli already suggest a diet and life history that are distinct from A. fulgens. To enhance our understanding these potential differences, we used Micro-CT to examine the sensory systems (more specifically the additory bullae and inner ear labyrinth) of P. bristoli and A. fulgens to answer three main questions: 1) What similarities and differences within the extinct and extant red pandas exist in the auditory bullae, middle ear ossicles, and inner ear labyrinth? 2) Do differences in auditory morphology suggest variation in hearing sensitivity, activity patterns (e.g., nocturnality), or ecological niche? and lastly, 3) Can sensory adaptations inferred from auditory morphology help explain why extinct red pandas occupied broader geographic ranges than their modern counterparts? By testing how these structural systems may have contributed to ecological tolerance and geographic range in extinct ailurids, and how those same traits may relate to the modern red panda’s vulnerability, we hope to identify anatomical correlates of ecological resilience in fossil taxa. Our results also have the potential to inform both evolutionary biology and modern conservation efforts for the extant red panda.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 12:00 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
55
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Science, Technology, and Engineering
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Faculty Mentor
Steven Wallace
Using Comparative Auditory Morphology to Explore Sensory Adaptation in Extinct and Extant Red Pandas
Culp Ballroom 316
Modern red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) persist today across fragmented habitats of the eastern Himalayas, whereas extinct members of the family (Ailuridae) were more broadly distributed across much of the Northern Hemisphere during the late Miocene and early Pliocene. This disparity is likely the result of differences in ecological tolerances and/or behavior. Unfortunately, most fossil ailurids are fragmentary and/or poorly preserved. However, Pristinailurus bristoli, from the Gray Fossil Site of eastern TN, is represented by two nearly complete skeletons, including unusually well-preserved skulls, affording the opportunity to test that hypothesis. Preliminary analysis of dental morphology and locomotor adaptations of P. bristoli already suggest a diet and life history that are distinct from A. fulgens. To enhance our understanding these potential differences, we used Micro-CT to examine the sensory systems (more specifically the additory bullae and inner ear labyrinth) of P. bristoli and A. fulgens to answer three main questions: 1) What similarities and differences within the extinct and extant red pandas exist in the auditory bullae, middle ear ossicles, and inner ear labyrinth? 2) Do differences in auditory morphology suggest variation in hearing sensitivity, activity patterns (e.g., nocturnality), or ecological niche? and lastly, 3) Can sensory adaptations inferred from auditory morphology help explain why extinct red pandas occupied broader geographic ranges than their modern counterparts? By testing how these structural systems may have contributed to ecological tolerance and geographic range in extinct ailurids, and how those same traits may relate to the modern red panda’s vulnerability, we hope to identify anatomical correlates of ecological resilience in fossil taxa. Our results also have the potential to inform both evolutionary biology and modern conservation efforts for the extant red panda.
