Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How do bats differ from gliding mammals in aerial locomotion?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Locomotion
These birds largely reside in coastal areas of North America, although some populations live in the continent's interior along large rivers.
The primary distinction between bats and gliding mammals lies in their ability to perform powered flight versus passive movement. Bats are the only mammals capable of true, powered flight, which allows them to actively exploit the aerial habitat. In contrast, gliding mammals—such as flying squirrels and colugos—are restricted to gliding, a form of locomotion that relies on gravity and wind resistance rather than active propulsion.123
Key differences include:
- Anatomical Adaptations: Bats possess wings formed by a flight membrane stretched over elongated arm and hand bones, allowing for precise, individual control of wing posture. Gliding mammals utilize a patagium, a fold of skin extending between their forelimbs and hind limbs, which they unfold to increase surface area while assuming a spread-eagle posture during descent.4256
- Flight Mechanics: Bats use muscular power to generate lift and thrust, enabling them to hover, dive, and maneuver through the air. Gliding mammals are limited to gravitational gliding, where they launch themselves toward a target and rely on their body surface area to slow their descent and cover horizontal distance.4736
- Versatility: Because bats utilize active flight, they can sustain movement and navigate complex environments, whereas gliding mammals are generally limited to short, directed paths between elevated points.314