May 16, 2023
The world’s oldest bat skeletal fossils dating to at least 52 million years ago, which were discovered in south-western Wyoming, USA, are giving scientists insights into the evolution of flying mammals. The bats have been identified as a new species and are closely related to two other species whose fossils were unearthed in the same area. The newly discovered species, named Icaronycteris gunnelli, is very similar to today’s insect-eating bats. According to scientists, the bats’ teeth were shaped to eat insects and had many other features that are prevalent in today’s bat species. Icaronycteris gunnelli had longer legs than today’s bats and a claw on its index finger.
Did You Know?
Some bat species can devour more than 1,000 mosquitoes per hour while hunting at night.
Image for representational purposes
REFLECTION: Study Bats
Do some research online and list any 5 facts about bats.
