What capability do the large, independently moving ears of the white-tailed deer provide regarding sound detection?
Answer
They can swivel independently to pinpoint the precise direction of subtle sounds.
The white-tailed deer possesses a highly developed sense of hearing, crucial for detecting predators in diverse environments. This acute hearing is facilitated by their large ears, which are capable of independent movement. They can swivel these ears in nearly opposite directions without moving the head. This rotational capability allows the deer to effectively pinpoint the exact location and direction from which a subtle sound, such as a twig snapping far away, originated, giving them an essential head start in assessing potential threats before relying on vision or scent.
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