There are many different types of animals in the world and each one has its own unique set of characteristics. But what about those animals that seem to have a bit of everything? Take bats for example. These creatures have the wings of birds the fur of mammals and the ability to use echolocation which is more typically associated with dolphins. So what exactly are bats?
Well bats are actually classified as mammals. This is because they have fur they give birth to live young and they produce milk to feed their babies. But bats are also the only mammals that can fly. This is because they have wings made of a thin membrane of skin that stretches between their long fingers.
Bats are also unique in their use of echolocation. Most animals rely on their eyesight to navigate and find food but bats use sound waves to help them do both of these things. They emit high-pitched squeaks and listen to the echoes that come back to them. This allows them to determine the location and size of objects around them even in complete darkness.
There are more than 1300 species of bats in the world and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They come in a wide range of sizes from the giant flying foxes which have a wingspan of up to six feet to the tiny bumblebee bats which have a wingspan of just three inches.
Bats play an important role in many ecosystems. Many species of bats are important pollinators and others help to control insect populations. Some bats even eat fish which helps to keep aquatic ecosystems in balance.
So the next time you see a bat remember that these fascinating creatures are much more than just flying foxes!
What is the main difference between a bat and a fox?
Bats are mammals that can fly while foxes are mammals that cannot fly.
