megachiroptera
Proper noun A suborder of bats comprising the family Pteropodidae, commonly known as fruit bats or flying foxes. These are typically large bats characterized by their reliance on vision and smell rather than echolocation for navigation, and they primarily feed on fruit, nectar, and pollen.
The term "Megachiroptera" is used in formal, scientific contexts such as zoology, biology, and taxonomy to classify this specific group of bats. It is not used in everyday conversation.
Examples * In taxonomic studies, the order Chiroptera is often divided into the suborders Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera. * The Megachiroptera are found throughout the tropics and subtropics of the Old World. * Unlike most other bats, species within the Megachiroptera do not use laryngeal echolocation.
- In modern phylogenetic studies, the traditional suborder is sometimes referred to as the Yinpterochiroptera, which also includes some families formerly placed in Microchiroptera. However, remains a widely recognized and used term for the fruit bat group.
- Megachiropteran (noun/adjective): A member of the Megachiroptera; relating to the Megachiroptera.
- The megachiropteran species is crucial for seed dispersal in this ecosystem.
- Fruit bat (noun): The common name for bats in the Megachiroptera.
- Flying fox (noun): A common name for very large fruit bats, especially of the genus .
- Fruit bats
- Flying foxes (for larger species)
- Old World fruit bats
The term "Megachiroptera" is strictly a scientific classification. Its meaning is fixed and does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. It contrasts directly with Microchiroptera, the suborder containing most small, insectivorous, echolocating bats.
- fruit bats