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A cranio-incudo joint as the solution to early birth in marsupials and monotremes

Mammals articulate their jaws using a novel joint between the dentary and squamosal bones. In eutherian mammals, this joint forms in the embryo, supporting feeding and vocalisation from birth. In contrast, marsupials and monotremes exhibit extreme altriciality and are born before the bones of the novel mammalian jaw joint form. These mammals need to rely on other mechanisms to allow them to feed. Here we show that this vital function is carried out by the earlier developing, cartilaginous incus of the middle ear, abutting the cranial base to form a cranio-mandibular articulation. The nature of this articulation varies between monotremes and marsupials, with monotremes retaining a double articulation, similar to that described in the fossil mammaliaform, Morganucodon, while marsupials use a versican rich matrix to stabilise the jaw against the cranial base. These findings provide novel insight into the evolution of mammals and the relationship between the jaw and ear.