suborder microchiroptera
A bat from the suborder Microchiroptera uses echolocation to hunt a moth at dusk.
Noun A primary taxonomic subdivision of the order Chiroptera (bats), encompassing the vast majority of bat species. This group is characterized by typically small size, use of sophisticated laryngeal echolocation for navigation and hunting, and a diet that is often insectivorous, though it includes species that eat fish, small vertebrates, blood, or nectar. It is distinguished from the other suborder, Megachiroptera (fruit bats or flying foxes).
The term suborder Microchiroptera is used in formal scientific and zoological contexts to classify and discuss a major lineage of bats. * The suborder Microchiroptera includes over 900 species, such as the common pipistrelle and the vampire bat. * Research into echolocation often focuses on members of the suborder Microchiroptera. * A key morphological difference between the two bat suborders is the presence of echolocation in the suborder Microchiroptera.
- In modern phylogenetic studies, the traditional division into Microchiroptera and Megachiroptera has been challenged. Some classifications now place certain microchiropteran families with fruit bats in a new suborder, Yinpterochiroptera, with the remaining microchiropterans grouped as Yangochiroptera. However, the term suborder Microchiroptera remains widely used in many contexts.
- Microchiropteran (noun): An individual bat belonging to the suborder Microchiroptera.
- Most microchiropterans rely on echolocation.
- Microchiropteran (adjective): Of or relating to the suborder Microchiroptera.
- Microchiropteran biology is fascinating.
- Echolocating bats (common descriptive term, not a taxonomic synonym)
- Insectivorous bats (a common but imprecise descriptive term, as not all are insectivores)
- Suborder Megachiroptera: The other traditional suborder, containing fruit bats.
- Echolocation: The biological sonar used by most members of this suborder.
- Chiroptera: The order to which this suborder belongs.
A bat from the suborder Microchiroptera uses echolocation to hunt a moth at dusk.
- most of the bats in the world; all bats except fruit bats insectivorous bats