Flying mammal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flying mammal

[ˈflaɪɪŋ ˈmæməl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal with wings

A flying mammal is a type of animal that belongs to the class Mammalia and has the ability to fly. Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight, using their wings to navigate through the air. These nocturnal creatures are known for their echolocation abilities, allowing them to hunt for insects in the dark.

Synonyms

bat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flying mammal	This phrase is typically used in more formal or scientific contexts to describe bats in terms of their classification as mammals capable of flight. It is useful when emphasizing the biological classification or distinguishing them from birds and insects. The bat is the only flying mammal capable of sustained flight. Researchers are studying the wing structure of flying mammals to better understand their evolution.
bat	This term is commonly used in everyday language and scientific contexts to refer to the small, flying mammals that are often seen at dusk or night. The word 'bat' can also refer to the equipment used in sports like baseball and cricket, but within biological contexts, it identifies the nocturnal creature. Bats are known for their ability to navigate in the dark using echolocation. We saw a bat flying across the night sky.

Word

Description / Examples

flying mammal

This phrase is typically used in more formal or scientific contexts to describe bats in terms of their classification as mammals capable of flight. It is useful when emphasizing the biological classification or distinguishing them from birds and insects.

The bat is the only flying mammal capable of sustained flight.
Researchers are studying the wing structure of flying mammals to better understand their evolution.

bat

This term is commonly used in everyday language and scientific contexts to refer to the small, flying mammals that are often seen at dusk or night. The word 'bat' can also refer to the equipment used in sports like baseball and cricket, but within biological contexts, it identifies the nocturnal creature.

Bats are known for their ability to navigate in the dark using echolocation.
We saw a bat flying across the night sky.

Examples of usage

Bats are the only flying mammals in the world.
Some flying mammals can reach impressive speeds in flight.
Flying mammals play a crucial role in controlling insect populations.
Bats are often misunderstood due to their nocturnal habits.
In some cultures, flying mammals are considered symbols of good luck.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nature

Bats are found all over the world, except in extreme deserts and polar regions.
They play a vital role in ecosystems by pollinating plants and controlling insect populations.
Some bat species can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour, making them great helpers for the environment.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, bats are symbols of good luck, transformation, and rebirth.
Bats have inspired numerous myths and legends, often depicted as spooky characters in stories and movies.

Science

Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight, having unique adaptations like echolocation to navigate in the dark.
There are over 1,300 species of bats, making them one of the most diverse groups of mammals.

Conservation

Many bat species are threatened due to habitat loss, diseases like white-nose syndrome, and human fear of them.
Conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining their populations and the benefits they provide to ecosystems.

Origin of 'flying mammal'

Main points about word origin

The term 'bat' comes from the Old English word 'batte', which meant a flapping creature.
Flying mammals belong to the order Chiroptera, which means 'hand wing' in Greek, referring to their wing structure.

The evolutionary history of flying mammals, or bats, dates back millions of years. These unique creatures are believed to have evolved from insect-eating mammals, developing wings to adapt to a nocturnal lifestyle. Bats have played various roles in different cultures, from being associated with vampires in folklore to serving as pollinators in ecosystems. Despite their often misunderstood reputation, flying mammals continue to fascinate scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.