Eric Ekdale
@eekdale.bsky.social
I teach Biology at San Diego State University. And I study the ears of dead things. And whales. And mammals in general. And other things paleontological, comparative anatomical, and evolutionarily biological that strike my fancy. Opinions are my own.
Pinned
Eric Ekdale
@eekdale.bsky.social
· Dec 4
Variation in whale (Cetacea) inner ear anatomy reveals the early evolution of “specialized” high‐frequency hearing sensitivity
Our findings support sensitivity to low-frequency sound in the archaeocete Zygorhiza kochii and an early toothed mysticete cf. Aetiocetus. Narrow-band high-frequency hearing was present in Oligocene ...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
I have a new paper out on the evolution of hearing in toothed whales! It looks like a narrow range of high-frequency auditory sensitivity in some living dolphins and porpoises may be an ancestral physiology rather than novel specializations in select groups.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
In Oct 2025, 'Charges dropped against former College of Charleston paleontologist in case of missing fossils': allegations made against marine mammal expert Dr Bobby Boessenecker said to stem from "personal animosities and hidden agendas" www.postandcourier.com/news/crime/c... #fossils #FossilFriday
Charges dropped against former College of Charleston paleontologist in case of missing fossils
Charleston prosecutors dismissed charges against Robert Boessenecker and Sarah Jo Michalies of stealing about $8,000 worth of fossils and models.
www.postandcourier.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:22 PM
In Oct 2025, 'Charges dropped against former College of Charleston paleontologist in case of missing fossils': allegations made against marine mammal expert Dr Bobby Boessenecker said to stem from "personal animosities and hidden agendas" www.postandcourier.com/news/crime/c... #fossils #FossilFriday
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
Super-proud of former MPhil student Emily Hillan for publishing her dissertation on the evolution of rib skeleton regionalisation in the evolution of snake-like body forms in squamates!
royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10....
November 10, 2024 at 5:28 PM
Super-proud of former MPhil student Emily Hillan for publishing her dissertation on the evolution of rib skeleton regionalisation in the evolution of snake-like body forms in squamates!
royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
Disappointing news out of Nebraska, where the University's Chancellor's Final Budget Reduction Plan continues to call for eliminating the Dept of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences - notably, against the recommendation of the university's Academic Planning Committee.
budgetprocess.unl.edu/final-budget...
budgetprocess.unl.edu/final-budget...
Final Budget Reduction Plan | Budget Process | Nebraska
budgetprocess.unl.edu
November 11, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Disappointing news out of Nebraska, where the University's Chancellor's Final Budget Reduction Plan continues to call for eliminating the Dept of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences - notably, against the recommendation of the university's Academic Planning Committee.
budgetprocess.unl.edu/final-budget...
budgetprocess.unl.edu/final-budget...
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
For the first time, scientists have documented an unusual defense: Some species of arachnids build giant doppelgängers on their webs, creating a frightening deception that scares off would-be killers. https://scim.ag/487Myn0
November 12, 2025 at 5:08 PM
For the first time, scientists have documented an unusual defense: Some species of arachnids build giant doppelgängers on their webs, creating a frightening deception that scares off would-be killers. https://scim.ag/487Myn0
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
👂🦴 New study by Urciuoli et al reveals that the classic Neandertal inner ear—once thought to evolve late—was already present in early Middle Pleistocene humans like Reilingen and Ehringsdorf! anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
November 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM
👂🦴 New study by Urciuoli et al reveals that the classic Neandertal inner ear—once thought to evolve late—was already present in early Middle Pleistocene humans like Reilingen and Ehringsdorf! anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
November is #ManateeAwarenessMonth! This beautiful Manatee #SciArt is from Biologia Centrali-Americana (1879-1882), illustrated by Josef Wolf. www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/570882 #ILoveBHL #OpenAccess #SaveTheManatee #SeaCow 🧪 🌎 📖 🌱
November 8, 2025 at 6:32 AM
November is #ManateeAwarenessMonth! This beautiful Manatee #SciArt is from Biologia Centrali-Americana (1879-1882), illustrated by Josef Wolf. www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/570882 #ILoveBHL #OpenAccess #SaveTheManatee #SeaCow 🧪 🌎 📖 🌱
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
#fossilfriday An early fossil dolphin earbone (tympanic bulla) with the middle ear sinus just completely filled with little fecal pellets, revealed by acid preparation. From the Oligocene (26 myo) Pysht Formation of Washington. More on my blog: coastalpaleo.blogspot.com/2025/11/acid...
November 7, 2025 at 6:03 PM
#fossilfriday An early fossil dolphin earbone (tympanic bulla) with the middle ear sinus just completely filled with little fecal pellets, revealed by acid preparation. From the Oligocene (26 myo) Pysht Formation of Washington. More on my blog: coastalpaleo.blogspot.com/2025/11/acid...
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
I think about this post every day 🧪
November 7, 2025 at 12:15 PM
I think about this post every day 🧪
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
Yes, the #PrehistoricPlanetIceAge trailer is out today...
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age — Season 3 Official Trailer | Apple TV
YouTube video by Apple TV
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Yes, the #PrehistoricPlanetIceAge trailer is out today...
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
On this day, 112 years ago, Exposition Park and the new museum—then called the Los Angeles County Museum of History, Science, and Art—officially opened to the public. A two-week civic celebration ensued, dovetailing with the opening of the Owens River Aqueduct.
November 6, 2025 at 6:44 PM
On this day, 112 years ago, Exposition Park and the new museum—then called the Los Angeles County Museum of History, Science, and Art—officially opened to the public. A two-week civic celebration ensued, dovetailing with the opening of the Owens River Aqueduct.
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
You are a Post-Padawan now!
November 5, 2025 at 3:24 PM
You are a Post-Padawan now!
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
🐬 New study reveals rare insights into the anatomy of the hourglass dolphin (Cephalorhynchus cruciger) & spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica). Researchers detail organs, skeletons & unique traits.
Graïc et al: anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Graïc et al: anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
November 6, 2025 at 1:01 PM
🐬 New study reveals rare insights into the anatomy of the hourglass dolphin (Cephalorhynchus cruciger) & spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica). Researchers detail organs, skeletons & unique traits.
Graïc et al: anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Graïc et al: anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
Come see my panel interview with all the women presidents of SVP! Wednesday at 12:30!!
November 6, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Come see my panel interview with all the women presidents of SVP! Wednesday at 12:30!!
Sound on for the "meep meeps"
Wonder why this scene looks so familiar...
#WildlifeWednesday 🐦🐕
#WildlifeWednesday 🐦🐕
November 5, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Sound on for the "meep meeps"
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
ICB
The Role of Mobility in Intertidal #Invertebrates’ Responses to #Thermal Stress
L C McIntire, et al
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
As climate change progresses, it is important to be able to predict how the effects of elevated temperatures are affected by the ability of #ectotherms to seek shelter..
The Role of Mobility in Intertidal #Invertebrates’ Responses to #Thermal Stress
L C McIntire, et al
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
As climate change progresses, it is important to be able to predict how the effects of elevated temperatures are affected by the ability of #ectotherms to seek shelter..
November 3, 2025 at 1:01 PM
ICB
The Role of Mobility in Intertidal #Invertebrates’ Responses to #Thermal Stress
L C McIntire, et al
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
As climate change progresses, it is important to be able to predict how the effects of elevated temperatures are affected by the ability of #ectotherms to seek shelter..
The Role of Mobility in Intertidal #Invertebrates’ Responses to #Thermal Stress
L C McIntire, et al
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
As climate change progresses, it is important to be able to predict how the effects of elevated temperatures are affected by the ability of #ectotherms to seek shelter..
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
SMU Part-Time Faculty are fighting for not just fair wages, but fair work—including the right to permanency. PT Faculty should not be required to re-apply to the same courses for decades!
Support striking SMU workers here: https://cupe.ca/for-our-future
Support striking SMU workers here: https://cupe.ca/for-our-future
November 3, 2025 at 12:05 AM
SMU Part-Time Faculty are fighting for not just fair wages, but fair work—including the right to permanency. PT Faculty should not be required to re-apply to the same courses for decades!
Support striking SMU workers here: https://cupe.ca/for-our-future
Support striking SMU workers here: https://cupe.ca/for-our-future
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
#fossilfriday A fun video featuring my team's research on the extinct 'giant' dolphin Ankylorhiza from the Oligocene of South Carolina! Also featuring some of our work on the toothed baleen whale Coronodon.
Cracking up at the "evil" Ankylorhiza image below. Happy Halloween!
Cracking up at the "evil" Ankylorhiza image below. Happy Halloween!
October 31, 2025 at 6:32 PM
#fossilfriday A fun video featuring my team's research on the extinct 'giant' dolphin Ankylorhiza from the Oligocene of South Carolina! Also featuring some of our work on the toothed baleen whale Coronodon.
Cracking up at the "evil" Ankylorhiza image below. Happy Halloween!
Cracking up at the "evil" Ankylorhiza image below. Happy Halloween!
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
A #Halloween #FossilFriday! Here’s a 🧠 brain! Sorta… this is an endocast, where sediment packed into a skull while there was still some soft tissue replacing and molding and casting where the brain was. This particular one is Miocene from Kyrgyzstan and likely horse. Found by @ashpoust.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A #Halloween #FossilFriday! Here’s a 🧠 brain! Sorta… this is an endocast, where sediment packed into a skull while there was still some soft tissue replacing and molding and casting where the brain was. This particular one is Miocene from Kyrgyzstan and likely horse. Found by @ashpoust.bsky.social
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
#fossilfriday A braincase of a dwarf cetotheriid baleen whale, Herpetocetus, that nearly survived to the current day! This specimen is from the Falor Formation of Humboldt County, CA, and is early Pleistocene in age (~2.1-0.7 Ma) based on volcanic ash correlations. On display at Sierra College.
October 31, 2025 at 5:43 PM
#fossilfriday A braincase of a dwarf cetotheriid baleen whale, Herpetocetus, that nearly survived to the current day! This specimen is from the Falor Formation of Humboldt County, CA, and is early Pleistocene in age (~2.1-0.7 Ma) based on volcanic ash correlations. On display at Sierra College.
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
Taking over #3DThursday while Brandy Freitas @brandy-syglass.bsky.social is out of office for some adventures!
🦇: Rousettus aegyptiacus stained in 10% Lugol’s iodine for 3 months
🔬: PerkinElmer Quantum GX microCT
🥼: @acsharp.bsky.social
🏛️: University of Liverpool’s Centre for Preclinical Imaging
🦇: Rousettus aegyptiacus stained in 10% Lugol’s iodine for 3 months
🔬: PerkinElmer Quantum GX microCT
🥼: @acsharp.bsky.social
🏛️: University of Liverpool’s Centre for Preclinical Imaging
October 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Taking over #3DThursday while Brandy Freitas @brandy-syglass.bsky.social is out of office for some adventures!
🦇: Rousettus aegyptiacus stained in 10% Lugol’s iodine for 3 months
🔬: PerkinElmer Quantum GX microCT
🥼: @acsharp.bsky.social
🏛️: University of Liverpool’s Centre for Preclinical Imaging
🦇: Rousettus aegyptiacus stained in 10% Lugol’s iodine for 3 months
🔬: PerkinElmer Quantum GX microCT
🥼: @acsharp.bsky.social
🏛️: University of Liverpool’s Centre for Preclinical Imaging
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
Nanotyrannus is real.
For years I’ve considered many mid-sized gracile tyrannosaurs to be juvenile T. rex.
But I was wrong. This stunning new skeleton of a mature long-armed small tyrannosaur is clearly a different species.
Isn’t science fun?!
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
For years I’ve considered many mid-sized gracile tyrannosaurs to be juvenile T. rex.
But I was wrong. This stunning new skeleton of a mature long-armed small tyrannosaur is clearly a different species.
Isn’t science fun?!
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Researchers discover new tyrannosaur species in ‘duelling dinosaurs’ fossil
Analysis of Montana fossils shows the battling predator was a fully grown Nanotyrannus, not a young T rex
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Nanotyrannus is real.
For years I’ve considered many mid-sized gracile tyrannosaurs to be juvenile T. rex.
But I was wrong. This stunning new skeleton of a mature long-armed small tyrannosaur is clearly a different species.
Isn’t science fun?!
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
For years I’ve considered many mid-sized gracile tyrannosaurs to be juvenile T. rex.
But I was wrong. This stunning new skeleton of a mature long-armed small tyrannosaur is clearly a different species.
Isn’t science fun?!
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Reposted by Eric Ekdale
My latest for @nytimes.com! For 40 years, paleontologists have grappled over whether a small tyrannosaur — named Nanotyrannus — was its own animal, or simply a teenage T.rex. The debate has been ... contentious. Which is why it's so fun to finally be able to say this:
Folks? Nanotyrannus is real.
Folks? Nanotyrannus is real.
The Case of the Tiny Tyrannosaurus Might Have Been Cracked
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:06 PM
My latest for @nytimes.com! For 40 years, paleontologists have grappled over whether a small tyrannosaur — named Nanotyrannus — was its own animal, or simply a teenage T.rex. The debate has been ... contentious. Which is why it's so fun to finally be able to say this:
Folks? Nanotyrannus is real.
Folks? Nanotyrannus is real.