Feed Mechanisms of Bats

Authors

Bryan P. Glass, Oklahoma State University

Abstract

It is a fair generalization that in food habits bats may be divided into two major categories, those which are carnivores, and those which are not. Since the molariform dentition of carnivorous species more nearly resembles that of other Mesozoic mammals than the dentition of non-carnivorous bats, it is generally agreed that the carnivorous dentition is primitive, and the more specialized dentitions are derived therefrom. Being carnivorous therefore restricts the freedom of the dentition to evolve. Structural differences between kinds of carnivores are found in means of apprehension of prey rather than in dentition, and often involve specialization of other anatomical parts.

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Recommended Citation

Glass, Bryan P. (1970) "Feed Mechanisms of Bats," Fondren Science Series: Vol. 1: No. 11, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholar.smu.edu/fondrenscienceseries/vol1/iss11/6