carnivorous bat
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A type of bat belonging to the suborder Microchiroptera, characterized by typically having large ears and feeding primarily on insects. They are found worldwide. This term distinguishes them from fruit-eating bats (megabats).
Usage Notes
The term "carnivorous bat" is a common name used in biology and zoology to describe insect-eating bats. While "carnivorous" technically means meat-eating, in this specific context, it primarily refers to a diet of insects. It is often used in contrast to "frugivorous bat" (fruit-eating bat).
Examples
- The carnivorous bat uses echolocation to hunt moths at night.
- Most of the bats found in temperate regions are carnivorous bats.
- The study focused on the hearing range of various carnivorous bats.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used in ecological discussions about food chains and pest control, as these bats consume large quantities of insects.
- Farmers appreciate the role of the carnivorous bat in controlling crop pests.
Variants and Related Words
- Microbat (n): The more precise scientific term for this suborder of bats, often used interchangeably with "carnivorous bat" in informal contexts.
- Insectivorous bat (n): A more specific and accurate term for the majority of these bats, highlighting their insect-based diet.
Synonyms
- Insect-eating bat
- Microchiropteran (scientific)
Antonyms
- Frugivorous bat
- Fruit bat
- Megabat (scientific term for the suborder Megachiroptera)
Noun
- typically having large ears and feeding primarily on insects; worldwide in distribution