The habitats of crocodilians have changed throughout time, as they have shifted from aquatic to terrestrial environments and vice-versa. Dr Montefeltro’s research already suggests that water and land-based crocodilians relied on very different types of hearing. Modern, semi-aquatic crocodilians depend heavily on their hearing for hunting and communication. Their ears are unique among vertebrates, as their tympanic membranes are concealed by flat flaps that can be raised or lowered by muscles. Crocodiles vocalise when in distress and during aggressive behaviour, yet the reception of underwater sounds is also important for them in social communication. Dr Montefeltro’s research will focus on the structures of crocodile ears throughout time. For example, the ear as a whole (outer, medium and inner) is more developed in terrestrial species, and less developed in aquatic species.