Final answer:
If an individual is born without the ability to sense high-frequency vibrations, it may be due to a mutation in a gene that codes for auditory receptors in the cochlea.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an individual is born without the ability to sense high-frequency vibrations, it may be due to a mutation in a gene that codes for auditory receptors. The auditory system, specifically the hair cells in the cochlea, is responsible for detecting sound vibrations. These hair cells convert sound waves into electrical signals that are then sent to the brain for interpretation. Without functional auditory receptors, the individual would not be able to perceive high-frequency sounds.