What Are Otoliths?

Who knew that such tiny fish ear bones, also known as otoliths, are like tree rings for the ocean. They consist of a layer of calcium carbonate laid down each year offers a snapshot of both the fish's yearly growth and its surrounding ocean conditions. According to the Seattle Times, "A tiny white sliver inside the heads of fish could hold evidence of a century's worth of humans wrecking the environment: atomic bombs, overfishing, even climate change. " Maybe this can help us find a way to keep our oceans healthy for many years to come.

Photo Credit: Tennesee Wildlife Resources Agency