How Are Bats Classified in Scientific Taxonomy?
Bats are animals that belong to the order Chiroptera and class Mammalia. Bats also are the sole mammals capable of true/powered flight. Their forelimbs are modified into wings, with membranes stretching across each spread-out digit.
One of the foremost distinguishing features of bats is their ability to echolocate – a process where a sound is employed to work out the situation of objects in an environment. Interestingly, bats are not the only animals that can use echolocation – dolphins and whales use it as well. Even several birds like the nocturnal Oilbird and Swiftlets are known to use echolocation.
Bat Habitat, Diet and Ecology
Bats are present on almost every continent except Antarctica. Most bats are insectivores, while some are nectarivores or frugivores. However, some species feed exclusively on blood – like the vampire bats. From an ecological perspective, bats are quite important as they facilitate pollination as well as seed dispersal. Many plants in tropical areas are entirely hooked into bats for these processes. Bats also are beneficial for humans as they control insect pests. Their excrement is additionally very effective as a fertilizer. However, bats also carry a host of diseases and can be a cause for concern in populated areas.
Facts about Bats
Bats can live more than 30 years and can fly at speeds of up to 60 mph.
Bats can find their food in total darkness.
Some bats hibernate in caves through the cold winter months and can survive freezing temperatures, even after being encased in ice.
Bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes an hour.
Most bats have only one pup a year making them extremely vulnerable to extinction.
The world's largest bat is the Flying Fox.
Flying Fox can be found in the islands of the South Pacific.
FAQs on Bats Scientific Name Explained
1. What is the scientific name for the order of bats, and what is its meaning?
The scientific name for the order that includes all bats is Chiroptera. This term originates from two Greek words: 'cheir', which means 'hand', and 'pteron', which means 'wing'. Therefore, Chiroptera translates to "hand-wing," an accurate description of a bat's forelimbs, which are structurally modified into wings.
2. What is the complete scientific classification of a bat?
The scientific classification of a bat places it within a clear biological hierarchy. For example, the Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus medius) is classified as follows:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Chiroptera
- Family: Pteropodidae
- Genus: Pteropus
- Species: medius
3. Why are bats classified as mammals and not birds, despite their ability to fly?
Even though they can fly, bats are classified as mammals, not birds, because they possess key mammalian traits. These defining characteristics include:
- Having fur or hair covering their bodies, not feathers.
- Giving birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
- Nursing their offspring with milk produced by mammary glands.
4. Are bats a type of rodent?
No, bats are not rodents. This is a common misconception. Bats belong to the scientific order Chiroptera. Rodents, such as mice, rats, and squirrels, belong to a completely different order, Rodentia. The most significant difference is that bats possess true wings for powered flight, whereas rodents are characterized by their continuously growing incisor teeth used for gnawing.
5. How is the order Chiroptera broadly categorised?
The order Chiroptera is traditionally divided into two major sub-orders, primarily distinguished by their size, diet, and navigation methods:
- Megachiroptera (Megabats): This group includes the larger fruit bats and flying foxes. They generally rely on their excellent sense of smell and large eyes for navigation and finding food like fruit and nectar.
- Microchiroptera (Microbats): This group consists of smaller bats that famously use sophisticated echolocation to navigate in darkness and hunt for insects and other small prey.
6. What are the scientific names for some bat species commonly found in India?
India has a rich diversity of bat species. Some notable examples along with their scientific names are:
- Indian Flying Fox: Pteropus medius
- Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat: Cynopterus sphinx
- Common Vampire Bat: Desmodus rotundus (found in the Americas, but a famous example)
- Lesser Mouse-tailed Bat: Rhinopoma hardwickii
7. What is the specific field of zoology that studies bats called?
The scientific study of bats is a specialised branch of mammalogy (the study of mammals) known as chiropterology. A scientist who studies bats is called a chiropterologist.
