Zoologists are currently debating whether the two bat groups, the Megachiroptera (flying foxes, fruit bats), and the smaller Microchiroptera are closely related, such are the differences in, say their feeding habits. Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour of Bats covers many aspects of bat biology, reproductive biology, foraging behaviour, hibernation, and genetics. The studies cover research in Australia, the Philippines, Central and South America, and some islands in the Pacific, as well as in the temperate zones of North America and Europe. As well as covering the above topics, the work shows the diversity of current bat research as well as the amazing diversity of the bats themselves.
- Chiropteran monophyly/diphyly (two chapters)
- Fruit bats as keystone species (three chapters)
- Reproductive biology, physiology, and energetics (six chapters)
- Ecology and ecophysiology of Microchiroptera (six chapters)
- Microchiropteran behaviour and ecology (six chapters)
- Genetic studies of north temperate vespertilionid bats (three chapters)
Index
"Each paper is supported by copious references and the book should prove invaluable to students, researchers and bat enthusiasts."
– Glasgow Naturalist, vol.23, part 2, May 1997
"' [...] this book is recommended to everybody who is interested in evolutionary, ecological, behavioural or conservation aspects, not just of bats but of mammals in general: I found it really stimulation to browse through the chapters and be inspired by open questions, new facts, new ideas or new methods, and to find at least enough references to be able to initatie a much more detailed literature search.'"
– B.Konig, Zurich, J.Zool.Syst.Evol. Research 35 (1997) 151-152