Microbat paraphyly and the convergent evolution of a key innovation in Old World rhinolophoid microbats.

ABSTRACT: Molecular phylogenies challenge the view that bats belong to the superordinal group Archonta, which also includes primates, tree shrews, and flying lemurs. Some molecular studies also challenge microbat monophyly and instead support an alliance between megabats and representative rhinolophoid microbats from the families Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats, Old World leaf-nosed bats) and Megadermatidae (false vampire bats). Another molecular study ostensibly contradicts these results and supports traditional microbat monophyly, inclusive of representative rhinolophoids from the family Nycteridae (slit-faced bats). Resolution of the microbat paraphyly/monophyly issue is essential for reconstructing the temporal sequence and deployment of morphological character state changes associated with flight

SUBMITTER: Teeling EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC122208 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature