Final answer:
Bone conduction is the transmission of sound vibrations to the inner ear through the bones of the skull, while air conduction is the transmission of sound waves through the outer and middle ear. Bone conduction bypasses the outer and middle ear, allowing sound to be heard directly by the inner ear.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bone conduction is the transmission of sound vibrations to the inner ear through the bones of the skull, bypassing the outer and middle ear. This can occur when sound waves directly vibrate the bones of the skull, which then stimulate the inner ear and enable hearing. On the other hand, air conduction is the transmission of sound waves through the outer and middle ear before reaching the inner ear. This is the most common method of hearing.