(LAB) Animal Biology: Act 9 - External Anatomy of Bats

Which order do bats belong to?

Chiroptera

Define Patagium

thin wing membrane

Identify the thin skin membrane stretched between the fingers

Dactylopatagium

What is the small flap inside the ear that aids in vertical sound detection?

Tragus

Define Tragus

fleshy flap inside ear

Identify the bat stucture modified into wings

Forelimbs (wings)

Which digit of the bat’s wing is clawed and used for gripping

Thumb (Digit 1)

Define Uropatagium

membrane between hind legs

Identify the membrane stretched between the hind legs

Uropatagium

What is the leaf-like structure on the nose of some bats?

Noseleaf

Define noseleaf

leaf-like nose structure

Identify the sensory organ used for echolocation

Nose

Which part of the bat allows bending and folding of the wing?

elbow

Define Plagiopatagium

membrane between last finger & body

identify the joint connecting the lower arm to the fingers

wrist

what is the short but strong body part connecting head to torso?

neck

define fur (pelage)

body covering

identify the covering that provides insulation

fur

which bat group has large eyes adapted for vision in low light?

megabats (fruit bats)

define microbats

echolocating bats

identify the bat group that relies heavily on echolocation

microbats

what is the central part of the bat’s head housing sensory organs?

head

define forelimbs

modified into wings

identify the elongated bones supporting the wing membrane

digits (II-V)

which membrane lies between the neck and arm?

propatagium

define propatagium

membrane between neck & arm

identify the section of wing membrane between the last finger and body

plagiopatagium

what is the bat’s main feeding structure located beneath the nose?

mouth

define mouth

feeding structure

identify the organ used to emit echolocation calls

mouth (echolocation calls)

which bat feature helps detect high-frequency sounds?

ears

define ears

detect high-frequency sounds

identify the external structures located on both sides of the head?

ears

what is the bat’s tail membrane called?

uropatagium

define uropatagium

tail membrane

identify its role in catching prey

assists in catching prey

which part of the bat’s wing is supported by digits II-V?

digits II-V

define dactylopatagium

membrane between fingers

identify the thumb digit used for climbing

thumb (digit I)

what is the bat’s body covering that varies in color and thickness?

fur (pelage)

define pealge

body covering

identify its function in the temperature regulation

provides insulation

which part of the bat’s body is short but strong, rotated for hanging?

hindlimbs

define hindlimbs

short, rotated for hanging

identify the appendages used in mainly for roosting

hindlimbs

what are the curved structures at the tips of thumbs and toes?

claws

define claws

curved structures on thumbs & toes

identify their role in roosting

used for roosting

which bat feature is especially long and narrow in nectar-feeding species?

tongue

define tongue

feeding organ

identify its adaptation for collecting nectar

adapted for nectar collection

what is the bat’s rear extension that may be short or long?

tail

define tail

rear extension

identify its enclosure within the tail membrane in microbats

enclosed in uropatagium (microbats)

which part of the bat connects the head to the body?

neck

define neck

connects head to body

identify its role in supporting the head during flight

supports head during flight

what is the bat’s skeletal adaptation that makes flight possible?

elongated fingers

define elongated fingers

skeletal adaptation

identify the structure stretched over them to form wings

patagium