Question

what is the basic function of the outer ear?
to concentrate and funnel sound waves to the eardrum
to protect the hair cells
to filter out high - intensity sound waves that can be harmful
to amplify low - intensity sounds to detectable levels

Explanation:

The outer - ear, consisting of the pinna and the ear canal, collects sound waves from the environment and funnels them towards the eardrum. Protecting hair cells is mainly a function related to the inner - ear mechanisms. Filtering out high - intensity sound waves and amplifying low - intensity sounds are functions more associated with middle - ear and inner - ear processes.

Answer:

to concentrate and funnel sound waves to the eardrum