Why do rabbits have long ears?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Detect predators and cool body
Detect predators and cool body ✓ — Correct! Rabbit ears do two jobs: they funnel sound from almost every direction so a rabbit hears a predator coming, and their big surface area with lots of blood vessels lets heat escape. Jackrabbits in hot deserts have the longest ears of all, which fits both needs. Ear position even shows mood—upright means alert, flattened back means relaxed or cross—and the two ears can swivel independently.
Navigate underground burrows — Wrong. Rabbit ears don't help with underground navigation—rabbits rely on whiskers and memory for that. Long ears evolved for detecting predators and dissipating heat.
Long ears attract mates — Wrong. Ear length is not a sexual selection trait. Long ears evolved for hearing predators and losing heat in hot climates.
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