Exploring Evolutionary History of Bats: Myth vs. Science

In summary, the conversation discusses the evolution of humans and bats and whether or not there is a clear understanding of their origins. The speaker argues that while humans did not evolve from primates, they share a common ancestor and the same can be said for humans and bats. The question is raised of where to draw the line between understanding and not understanding evolution. The conversation also briefly touches on the advantages of bats' physical abilities in close combat.
  • #1
Gear300
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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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  • #2
Did you find anything while searching for 'bat fossil'?
 
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  • #3
Rive said:
Did you find anything while searching for 'bat fossil'?
Found this article published in The Smithsonian. I'll give it a read.
 
  • #4
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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  • #5
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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  • #6
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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1. What is the evolutionary history of bats?

The evolutionary history of bats dates back to over 50 million years ago, making them one of the oldest mammal groups. They are believed to have evolved from small, insect-eating mammals that developed the ability to fly in order to catch prey and avoid predators.

2. Are bats related to birds or rodents?

Bats are not related to birds or rodents. They are actually classified as their own order, Chiroptera, which means "hand-wing" in Latin. They share a common ancestor with primates, and are more closely related to them than to any other group of mammals.

3. Is it true that bats are blind?

No, this is a common myth about bats. While some species do have poor eyesight, many species have excellent vision and rely on it for hunting and navigation. In fact, some species of bats can even see ultraviolet light, which helps them find food and navigate in the dark.

4. How do bats communicate with each other?

Bats use a variety of methods to communicate with each other, including vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. They produce high-frequency sounds that humans cannot hear, which they use for echolocation to navigate and locate prey. They also use vocalizations to communicate with other bats in their colony.

5. Are bats important for the ecosystem?

Yes, bats play a crucial role in many ecosystems as pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect predators. They help to control insect populations, which can have a significant impact on agriculture and human health. Bats also contribute to the pollination of many plants, including some important crops such as bananas and mangoes.

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