New classification of bats?

2002/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Zoologia

Although almost all species that use ecolocation for hunting (emission and collection of sound waves) are usually part of a group, recent studies suggest that some change should be made.

Bats were initially classified according to their appearance and behavior. Since the 1990s, however, researchers are also conducting genetic studies. The study by Emma Teeling and Mark Springer of the University of California analyzed 20 species of bats and nine of mammals. According to their results, microcryoptera (which emit ecolloquiation waves from the larynx) should be grouped into two separate groups that have been evolving long ago. In addition, the results also oppose the hypothesis that the bat groups in the group of primates, lemurs and satirics. On the contrary, all bats would be closer to the mole and anthill, as well as mammals.