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Molecular evolution of bat color vision genes
Daryi Wang1, Todd Oakley, Jeffrey Mower
1Institute of Zoology, Academic Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
Molecular Biology and Evolution
|December 9, 2003
Summary
Bats possess functional color vision genes, including short-wavelength (S) opsins potentially sensitive to UV light, contrary to many nocturnal primates. This research explores bat opsin gene evolution and its link to nocturnal adaptations.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Mammalogy
Background:
- Bats (Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera) exhibit distinct sensory systems: megabats rely on vision, while microbats use echolocation.
- Understanding the evolution of color vision in bats offers insights into adaptations to different light environments and ecological niches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function and evolution of middle/long wavelength (M/L) and short wavelength (S) opsin genes in megabats and microbats.
- To compare opsin gene presence and potential function in bats with primate opsin gene evolution.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of M/L and S opsin genes from two megabat species (Haplonycteris fischeri, Pteropus dasymallus formosus) and one microbat species (Myotis velifer).
Main Results:
- Both crepuscular and nocturnal bats possess functional M/L and S opsin genes, unlike many nocturnal primates that have lost functional S opsins.
- Bat S opsins may be UV-sensitive, and M/L opsins appear to be L-type, potentially aiding in fruit identification.
- A unique M/L opsin gene duplication was identified in Haplonycteris fischeri, the first such case in non-primate mammals.
Conclusions:
- Nocturnal life in bats has not led to the loss of functional opsin genes, suggesting retained or novel visual functions.
- The presence of functional opsin genes, including potential UV sensitivity, highlights bats' visual capabilities in varied light conditions.
- Opsin gene duplication in bats offers new perspectives on mammalian visual evolution and adaptation.