Just in time for Halloween, the latest issue of The Anatomical Record focuses on bats.
The special bat-themed issue of the journal "The Anatomical Record" is a remarkable compilation of articles that explore various aspects of bat anatomy, physiology, and evolution. Bats, being the only mammals capable of sustained flight, have long fascinated scientists and anatomists due to their unique adaptations. However, the public image of these amazing animals tends to be less friendly. This special issue offers valuable insights into the ecomorphology, sensory biology, and evolutionary history of these remarkable creatures, shedding light on how they can serve as a model for understanding adaptation and even inform our knowledge of human development, and how better communicating their role in our ecosystems could create more appreciation for bats.
At its heart, this special issue of The Anatomical Record was inspired by the long and influential career of a colleague, Dr. Kunwar Bhatnagar, who had been active in bat research for several decades. The guest editors of the special issue aimed to honor his legacy and the contributions he made to the field of bat biology, particularly in the area of chemical senses and diet.
The guest editors of this edition, Drs. Tom Eiting, Sharlene Santana, and Tim Smith underscore the significance of bats as a model system for understanding mammal biology and evolution. Bats exhibit both general mammalian characteristics and unique adaptations due to their flight capabilities, making them a valuable subject for scientific inquiry. They highlight how studying bats can shed light on broader questions related to mammalian anatomy, physiology, and adaptation.
One of the key themes running through this special issue is the concept of adaptation. Bats are exceptional examples of adaptation to specific ecological niches, and studying their anatomy can offer insights into how organisms evolve to suit their environments. This adaptation is beautifully illustrated in the article "Ecomorphology and sensory biology of bats" by Timothy D. Smith, Sharlene E. Santana, and Thomas P. Eiting. The authors delve into the unique adaptations that enable bats to navigate and hunt using echolocation, a sensory ability not found in most other mammals. By examining the sensory biology of bats, they highlight the role of adaptation in the development of complex sensory systems, shedding light on how anatomists can learn about human development through the study of such specialized adaptations.
Another fascinating aspect of bat anatomy is their wing structure. The article "Hair, there and everywhere: A comparison of bat wing sensory hair distribution" by Andrea D. Rummel, Melissa M. Sierra, Brooke L. Quinn, and Sharon M. Swartz explores the distribution of sensory hairs on bat wings. These sensory hairs play a crucial role in helping bats navigate and detect prey in complete darkness. The study provides a detailed analysis of these sensory structures, highlighting the intricate adaptations that have evolved to support the unique flight and hunting abilities of bats.
The evolutionary history of bats is also a prominent topic in this special issue. "Xenorhinos bhatnagari sp. nov., a new, nasal-emitting trident bat (Rhinonycteridae, Rhinolophoidea) from early Miocene forests in northern Australia" by Suzanne J. Hand, Michael Archer, Anna Gillespie, and Troy Myers presents an exciting discovery of a new bat species from the early Miocene epoch. This discovery offers valuable insights into the evolutionary history of bats, demonstrating how these remarkable mammals have adapted and diversified over millions of years.
Furthermore, the special issue touches upon the broader field of mammalian anatomy by considering the implications of bat research on related mammals. "Evolution of gliding in
squirrel-related rodents...”by Timo Berghäuser, John A. Nyakatura, and Jan Wölfer investigates the adaptation of gliding and how it affects the thickness of cortical bone on the scapular glenoid fossa. This comparative study demonstrates how the adaptation to flight, as seen in bats, differs from adaptations to gliding in other mammals, providing valuable insights into the diverse paths of mammalian evolution.
The special issue also explores the inner and middle ear anatomy of leaf-nosed bats in "Ecomorphological correlates of inner and middle ear anatomy within phyllostomid bats" by
Edwin Dickinson, Emily Tomblin, Madison Rose, Zoe Tate, Mihika Gottimukkula, Michael C. Granatosky, Sharlene E. Santana, and Adam Hartstone-Rose. This research examines the correlation between internal ear anatomy and the ecological niches these bats occupy, telling us more about the intricate connections between form and function in the world of bats.
Want a closer look at the brachial plexus? In the article "Morphological variation of the brachial plexus in four phyllostomid bat species (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae)" by Karen Santos Toledo, Adriano Lúcio Peracchi, and Marcelo Rodrigues Nogueira. This study highlights the diversity in the brachial plexus among different bat species, emphasizing the role of adaptation in shaping the neurological aspects of their anatomy.
The special bat-themed issue of "The Anatomical Record" is a treasure trove of research and insights into the world of bats, offering a fascinating glimpse into their anatomy, physiology, and evolutionary history. Bats, with their remarkable adaptations to flight and echolocation, serve as a model for understanding how organisms adapt to their environments. Additionally, the study of bat anatomy provides valuable lessons for understanding human development and the broader field of mammalian anatomy. This special issue highlights the critical role of anatomists and other researchers in uncovering the mysteries of nature and how they can broaden our understanding of the natural world.
Want to learn more about bats? The guest editors of this edition recommend:
Read the special issue here.