Chiropteran evolution

Chiropteran evolution refers to the development of bats from their common ancestors, which were related to other mammals like shrews and mice. Over millions of years, some of these mammals adapted to flight, developing wings from their forelimbs, and echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark. Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight, a result of gradual anatomical changes like elongated fingers supporting wing membranes. This evolutionary process allowed bats to occupy ecological niches for nocturnal insectivores and fruit eaters, contributing to their success and diversity across both Old and New World habitats.