Eavesdropping on bats

Article Abstract:

Two investigations into bat echolocation provide striking examples of the sophistication and the possible evolutionary and ecological consequences of variability in call design. The level of detail available to an echolocating bat is a function of the wavelength of the sounds in its echolocation cells and so the differences in the frequencies that dominate its call influence a bat's auditory scene.

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Acoustic guide in bat-pollinated flower

Article Abstract:

Many neotropical plants are pollinated by glossophagine bats which use highly developed sonar systems. It has been discovered that the bat-pollinated neotropical vine Mucuna holtonii uses an acoustic nectar guide to direct its echolocating pollinators to its flowers. The flower contains a concave 'mirror' that reflects the energy of the bats' echolocation calls back into the direction of incidence.

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A first for bats

Article Abstract:

Several phylogenetic analyses are conducted to determine the correct order of the various processes that has led to the evolution of modern bats. The lately discovered fossils show that the flight phenomenon was followed by echolocation during their evolution but fail to explain if the birds were nocturnal or diurnal.

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