Chapter 17, Problem 3STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Bats are mammals are placed into the order Chiroptera of the class Mammalia. They are flying mammals as their forelimbs adapted as wings. Bats fly with their very long spread-out digits covered with a thin membrane called patagium. They are more related to monkey, apes and lemurs.

Answer to Problem 3STP

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (C) primates

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (C) primates. There is recent evidence that they may be more closely related to the primates. Primates include similar placental mammals such as humans, chimpanzees, gorillas and monkeys. Thus, this is the correct answer.

The explanation for the incorrect answer :

Option (A) carnivorans. Carnivorans are specialized flesh eating mammals of the order Carnivora. They are not closely related to the bats. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Option (B) xenartherans. These are placental mammals such as the anteaters, tree sloths and armadillos. They are unique to America. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) rodentians. Despite resemblance to rodents, bats are not closely related to them because rodents are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.