33 million year old Myotis (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) and the rapid global radiation of modern bats.

ABSTRACT: The bat genus Myotis is represented by 120+ living species and 40+ extinct species and is found on every continent except Antarctica. The time of divergence of Myotis has been contentious as has the time and place of origin of its encompassing group the Vespertilionidae, the most diverse (450+ species) and widely distributed extant bat family. Fossil Myotis species are common, especially in Europe, beginning in the Miocene but earlier records are poor. Recent study of new specimens from the Belgian early Oligocene locality of Boutersem reveals the presence of a relatively large vespertilionid. Morphological comparison and phylogenetic analysis confirms that the new, large form can be confidently assigned to the genus Myotis, making this record the earliest known for that taxon and extendin

SUBMITTER: Gunnell GF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5342209 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature