Introduction
The Myzopoda aurita is one of the bat species that can adherent themselves to vertical spheres, such as smooth leaves. By Thewissen and Etnier (1995), with these particular pads, they can roost inside the rolled leaves of palm trees, which is an efficient way to avoid being detected by their predators. In other words, the ‘sucker foot’ is then an important organ in improving its survivorship.
There are in total six species of bats that have this kind of ability, which can be divided into two families. One family occurs in the neotropics and the other in Madagascar (Riskin & Racey 2009). The Myzopoda aurita, is in the second family living in the Madagascar. As these species of bats undergo this convergent adaptation, we can conclude that the ‘sucker foot’ must be a significant trait that improves their fitness.
Although the Myzopoda aurita, together with other adhesive bats, is well discussed about the pad function and attachment methods, there are really no research journals to exam the fitness benefits they gain from this specific organ. This incur the importance to discuss this aspect of the Myzopoda aurita.
Hypothesis
HA : The ability of attaching to leaves when roosting has an effect on the survivorship of Myzopoda aurita.
H0 : The ability of attaching to leaves when roosting doe not have an effect on the survivorship of Myzopoda aurita.
Methods
The independent variable is the existence of the adhesive ability. As well proved in Thewissen and Etnier (1995), the Myzopoda attach the smooth surface by glueing (wet adhesion), rather than suction. Because of this, I am able to control their adhesion by isolate the secreta from their pad glands from the surface. For instance, I will use plastic wrap to cover the...
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...l hypothesis is supported, then we can conclude that the wet adhesion ability of Myzopoda aurita’s pad is of no effect to their survivorship. Then this trait must be an improvement of fitness in other aspects. For instance, the wet adhesion ability of Myzopoda aurita’s pad may improve their predation ability. With the benefit of the wet adhesion ability, they are provided with higher mobility. they can then hide in leaves or hang on the branches to be invisible to their prey. Therefore, the higher predation ability improves their fitness. However, this hypothesis should be proved by further experiments.
Works Cited
Riskin DK, Racey PA. 2009. How do sucker-footed bats hold on, and why do they roost head-up? Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 99(2): 233-240
Thewissen JGM, Etnier SA. 1995. Adhesive devices on the thumb of vespertilionid bats (Chiroptera). J Mammal 76(3): 925-936
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