Evolution of Flight and Echolocation in Bats

Explore the fascinating evolution of flight and echolocation in bats through this 45-minute Royal Tyrrell Museum Speaker Series talk by Kevin Seymour from the Royal Ontario Museum. Delve into the fossil record to uncover insights about bat evolution, examining key anatomical features such as limb proportions, ribcage structure, and shoulder blades. Learn about significant fossil discoveries, including those from the Green River Formation and the ROM's 1969 expedition. Compare ancient bat fossils to modern species using advanced techniques like CT scans and phylogenetic analysis. Gain a deeper understanding of how bats developed their unique abilities, from the earliest known specimens to the diverse array of fruit bats and echolocating species we see today.