Animal ears are specialized structures that help animals detect sounds in their environment. They vary widely among species, with some animals having large, floppy ears, like elephants, which can help dissipate heat, while others, like cats, have upright ears that can rotate to pinpoint sounds. The shape and size of ears can influence an animal's hearing abilities. For example, bats have highly developed ears that allow them to navigate and hunt using echolocation. In contrast, whales have internal ears adapted for underwater hearing, showcasing the diversity of ear adaptations across the animal kingdom.