The ear analyzes frequencies by location along the basilar membrane.

Evidence

Tonotopic organization occurs at the basilar membrane. High-frequency sounds vibrate near the base of the basilar membrane while low frequencies peak near the apex of the basilar membrane. These results provided clear support for a frequency analysis mechanism being present in the ear. — Jennifer Lentz, Psychoacoustics- Perception of Normal…, 224

Categorization

• DEFINE: Tonotopic organization explained concretely via basilar membrane base-versus-apex mapping.