Patterns of diversity in cranial shape among plant-visiting bats

The independent origins of associations between morphology and ecology are often viewed as evidence of adaptation (e.g., Larson and Losos, 1996). There are many examples of morphological and ecological convergence among bats that are linked to diet. One of the most widely cited instances of trophic convergence is the independent evolution of plant-visiting in the families Pteropodidae (Old World fruit bats) and Phyllostomidae (New World leafnosed bats) (see review in Dumont, 2003). Both families contain species that rely on fruit and/or nectar as a primary food source during at least some portion of the year. Both groups also exhibit similar levels of generic diversity in plant-visiting taxa. All 42 genera of pteropodids rely on plant resources as their primary source of food (Mickleburgh et al., 1992; Koopman, 1993). The diets of 40 genera of phyllostomids focus on plant resources; the remaining 17 genera feed on insects, small vertebrates, or blood (Swanepoel and Genoways, 1983; Ferrarezzi and Gimenez, 1996; Wetterer et al., 2000). The dietary adaptations of mammals are commonly reflected in the morphology of Acta Chiropterologica, 6(1): 59–74, 2004 PL ISSN 1508-1109 © Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS