Greater Long Eared Bat

[den]

Greater Long Eared Bat
Originally uploaded by battyden

Comments

[ionotter.livejournal.com]

Apparently that theory is still being debated, but much of the genetic evidence is pointing away from a common primate ancestor in lieu of a megachiropteran ancestor. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat#Classification_and_evolution)

The theory was based on morphological traits, rather than genetic markers? But the neural characteristics are very similar to primates, as you mention. What's not mentioned in the Wiki article, but possibly in the cited references, is that evolution doesn't mind duplicating successful traits in non-related species.

[jim-lane.livejournal.com]

True. (I read the Wiki article, too.) Flying foxes are so incredibly different from what we're familiar with re: "normal" bats, that they really do appear to be an entirely different species of animal, instead of a "kissing cousin" to little brown bats, vampire bats, hog-nosed bats, etc. They're quite intelligent, sociable and, in some situations, quite amusing in their relationship antics with other flying foxes. Sorry, but I just can't "feel warm & fuzzy" about a vampire bat, or any of the other little winged monsters. }|-/