Abstract

Comparative Wrist Morphology  among Species of Chiroptera

Bat wings vary in relative size and shape reflecting species’ flight abilities relating to their hunting and feeding ecologies. In contrast with airplane and bird airfoils, bat wings are incredibly dynamic and rely on sophisticated control through complex muscle, elastic and sensory tissues. Additionally, joints within the wing that flex, extend, and rotate allow the shape and orientation of the wing to uniquely interact with the flight environment. Of particular interest to the authors is the structure, function, and control of the leading edge of the wing which is likely to play a significant role in bats’ abilities to maneuver at slow flight speeds. This research represents the beginning of a long-term project to be conducted primarily by undergraduate researchers to more thoroughly describe variation in the anatomy and morphology of the carpals and m. occipitopollicalis of the bat wing across species exhibiting different flight ecologies. Here we describe the morphology of the carpal bones from select species of bats of the Phyllostomidae using micro-CT scans. The scans were processed using Avizo software to construct three-dimensional models of the wrist. Physical models were printed in 3-D at a larger scale to enable examination of the articulations and possible movements of the wrist. Physical 3-D models and comparisons of relative carpal volumes and unique carpal shapes across species are presented here.