Explain the outer ear of mammals?

The outer ear of mammals consists of two main parts: the pinna (or auricle) and the ear canal. The pinna is the visible, external portion that helps capture sound waves and funnel them into the ear canal, which leads to the eardrum. The shape and structure of the pinna vary among species, aiding in sound localization. Together, these components play a crucial role in the initial stages of hearing by directing sound toward the middle and inner ear.