Syrinx and Larynx evolution figure (IMAGE)

University of Texas at Austin

Syrinx and Larynx evolution figure

Caption

Recent research has revealed a common genetic link between the larynx – the vocal organ of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians – and the syrinx – the vocal organ of birds. This figure illustrates the evolution of the larynx and syrinx in different animal lineages. Although birds are direct descendants of dinosaurs and have both a larynx and a syrinx, it’s unknown if dinosaurs had either organ.

Credit

Michael Chiappone

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