* The functional shape of the pinna in wild-type mammals is erect, and the muscular connections at the base of the pinna allowing positional adjustments to efficiently collect sound. Many domesticated species, however, have non-erect, pendulous pinnae, as a result of selective breeding. This and other conformational changes may contribute to aural disease, particularly in the dog, but also other species including the lop-eared rabbit. | * The functional shape of the pinna in wild-type mammals is erect, and the muscular connections at the base of the pinna allowing positional adjustments to efficiently collect sound. Many domesticated species, however, have non-erect, pendulous pinnae, as a result of selective breeding. This and other conformational changes may contribute to aural disease, particularly in the dog, but also other species including the lop-eared rabbit. |