Asked by Holly Pershall on Jul 12, 2024

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The barn owl's right ear opens slightly upward while its left ear opens slightly downward. This asymmetry is most useful for enabling the owl to detect the ________ of a sound.

A) pitch
B) location
C) loudness
D) amplitude

Asymmetry

Lack of equality or equivalence between parts or aspects of something; not symmetrical.

Barn Owl

A nocturnal bird of prey known for its distinctive heart-shaped face and for being a beneficial species by controlling rodent populations.

Left Ear

The ear located on the left side of a person's head, significant in studies concerning auditory processing and lateralization of brain functions.

  • Acquire knowledge on the principles guiding sound localization and how it is perceived.
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KC
Kevin CurrieJul 17, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The asymmetry of the barn owl's ears allows it to determine the location of sounds more accurately. This is because the slight difference in the arrival time and intensity of the sound in each ear provides the brain with information about the sound's direction. The owl's ability to locate prey solely by its sound is crucial for survival, especially in low-light conditions.