Keywords
pollination syndrome
Phyllostomidae
nectar-feeding bats
Categories
How to Cite
Abstract
Most people are unaware that bats play a very important role in pollination, on a very large scale, around the world. This coadaptation and coevolution of flowers and bats in carrying out the vital act of pollination is called chiropterophily. Over a very long period, plants and bats have coevolved, undergoing significant morphological and physiological changes to optimize their mutualistic relationship. This text describes that relationship and, additionally, briefly describes the groups of nectar-feeding bat species that carry out this ecosystem function and the plants they pollinate. It also offers some relevant guidelines for maintaining this fundamental ecosystem service, in ecological and economic terms, since many of the plants pollinated by bats provide cultural and economic benefits to people.
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