Comparative study on auditory physiological structure and function between the mandarin vole and the Brandt's vole

Mammals' auditory capabilities are influenced by social behaviour, habitat, and developmental stages.Research on rodent hearing has evolved from studying morphology to cochlear mechanisms and molecular levels.Current studies on surface-active rodents primarily examine age-related hearing loss and the effects of high-altitude hypoxia on auditory function.In contrast, research on subterranean rodents focuses on their low-frequency hearing mechanisms.These rodents, living in dark underground burrows, have adapted their communication and auditory physiology to their environment, favouring mid-low frequency sounds while being less sensitive to high frequencies compared to surface-active rodents.For example, the specialized auditory structures in subterranean rodents may compensate for diminished other senses.By comparing the auditory abilities, structural differences, and molecular mechanisms of hearing between subterranean and surface-active rodents, we can understand the adaptability and changes in auditory systems across different environments, offering insights into the evolution and function of these systems.