Research Abstract |
It is generally considered that the insectivorus bat of the order Chiroptera and the shrew of the order Insectivora are phylogenetically close to each other because of the similarity in the type of dentition, tooth-row, and the structure of uterus. A new evidence to support this view was gained by the present investigation of the cestode faunas of the two groups of mammals, that is, they are parasitized by certain common species of cestodes. This seems to mean that the same kind of insects are preyed upon by both bats and shrews, since such insects are need as inter- mediate hosts for the development of cestodes. That the same insects are eaten suggests taht their food habits are very similar, and that the same species of cestodes can normally parasitize them is regarded as a proof that the bat is phylogenetically close to the shrew.
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