Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic suborder of mammals: "suborder Megachiroptera" is the scientific name for a specific suborder within the order Chiroptera (bats). This suborder consists of large bats, most of which are characterized by their diet of fruit, nectar, or pollen.
   • Fruit bats: This is the common name for the members of this suborder. They are distinguished from the other bat suborder (Microchiroptera) by their larger size, different flight and echolocation mechanisms, and dietary preferences.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The suborder Megachiroptera includes flying foxes and other fruit-eating bats.
  • Biologists study the suborder Megachiroptera to understand plant pollination and seed dispersal.
  • Unlike insectivorous bats, members of the suborder Megachiroptera rely primarily on vision and smell.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used in formal biological classification.
  • The order Chiroptera is divided into two suborders: Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera.

Variants and Related Words

• Megachiropteran (noun/adjective): A member of the suborder Megachiroptera; relating to this suborder.
  • The megachiropteran species is crucial for rainforest ecology.
• Fruit bat (noun): The common name for bats in this suborder.
  • We saw a colony of fruit bats roosting in the tree.

Synonyms

• Fruit bats: The most common synonym, referring to the animals themselves rather than the taxonomic group.
• Megabats: An informal term used to contrast with "microbats" (Microchiroptera).

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Microchiroptera (noun): The other suborder of bats, typically smaller and often insectivorous, using sophisticated laryngeal echolocation.
• Chiroptera (noun): The order to which both suborders belong; the order of bats.
• Pteropodidae (noun): The single family within the suborder Megachiroptera, often used interchangeably in non-technical contexts.

Noun

1. fruit bats