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Independent evolution of running in vampire bats

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  • Daniel K. Riskin

    (College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University)

  • John W. Hermanson

    (College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University)

Abstract

Most tetrapods have retained terrestrial locomotion since it evolved in the Palaeozoic era1,2, but bats have become so specialized for flight that they have almost lost the ability to manoeuvre on land at all3,4. Vampire bats, which sneak up on their prey along the ground, are an important exception. Here we show that common vampire bats can also run by using a unique bounding gait, in which the forelimbs instead of the hindlimbs are recruited for force production as the wings are much more powerful than the legs. This ability to run seems to have evolved independently within the bat lineage.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel K. Riskin & John W. Hermanson, 2005. "Independent evolution of running in vampire bats," Nature, Nature, vol. 434(7031), pages 292-292, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:434:y:2005:i:7031:d:10.1038_434292a
    DOI: 10.1038/434292a
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