Sophisticated form of echolocation found in fruit bats

Updated:7 years, 6 months ago

New Delhi, Apr 22 (ANI): Researchers at universities in the United States have discovered a sophisticated form of echolocation in bats, one that is remarkably similar to human-made location systems. The sound of the Egyptian fruit bat slowed down 20 times. The flying mammal uses echolocation- locating objects by reflected sound. Its echolocation is more advanced than we thought, say researchers- resembling radar and sonar systems. This could inspire future driverless cars and drones. Slow-motion infrared cameras and highly sensitive microphones recorded movement and sound. Fruit bats use their tongue to send out signals - a fact previously regarded as insignificant. Researchers are now studying where and how the bat makes its clicks inside its head. A 3D model built using CT scans is the first step in that process.