Final answer:
The ossicles solve the problem of vibration transfer from air to liquid in the ear by transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the fluid-filled cochlea. This is done through the sequential movement of the malleus, incus, and stapes, which ultimately stimulates the sensory hair cells in the cochlea.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ossicles, which include the malleus, incus, and stapes, solve the problem of vibration transfer from air to liquid in the ear. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the ossicles, specifically from the malleus to the incus and then to the stapes. The stapes, in turn, presses against the oval window, which sets the fluid in the cochlea into motion. This motion stimulates the sensory hair cells within the cochlea, which ultimately convert the mechanical energy of the sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain as sound.