Do Bats Have an Evolutionary History Rooted in Myth or Science?

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The discussion centers on the evolutionary understanding of bats compared to humans. It highlights that humans did not evolve from primates but share a common ancestor with them, as well as with bats, emphasizing that both species are part of the mammalian lineage. The conversation questions the completeness of evolutionary understanding for bats, suggesting that all organisms have incomplete family trees. Participants express curiosity about the scientific evidence surrounding bat origins, with references to articles like one from The Smithsonian. Additionally, there is a tangent discussing the practical advantages of bats in combat scenarios, noting their effectiveness compared to other weapons in low-tech environments.
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From where I stand, human evolution from primates is more evidence-based and storied than our understanding of bats. Do we have an evolutionary understanding of bats? Or are their origins still more myth than science?
 
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Did you find anything while searching for 'bat fossil'?
 
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Rive said:
Did you find anything while searching for 'bat fossil'?
Found this article published in The Smithsonian. I'll give it a read.
 
Humans did not evolve from primates. Humans are part of the primate family (Hominidae). All members of the primate family evolved from a common ancestor.

Humans and bats - both mammals - also share a common ancestor. It doesn't mean one evolved from the other.
 
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Gear300 said:
Do we have an evolutionary understanding of bats?
Do we have an evolutionary understanding of anything? Every organism has an incomplete family tree. Where do you draw the line between :"understanding" and "not understabding"?
 
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Gear300 said:
Do we have an evolutionary understanding of bats? Or are their origins still more myth than science?
Bats seem very fit for close combat where it outperforms say bows, a good step up from a fist, yet easy to manufacture, handle and maintain, compared to a sword that needs continous sharpening and a bit more skill to use. A good balance between simplicity, resources and function in the context of a low tech environment 😁

/Fredrik
 
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