Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Biomedical Sciences
Date of Award
8-2026
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Richard Carter
Committee Members
Rick Adams, Justin Ledogar, Anoop Arunagiri
Abstract
Bats are the only mammals capable of powered flight, and research is concentrated on this adaptation. Their non-flight locomotion has received comparatively little attention. Previous studies show that non-flight locomotor behaviors vary across families. Members of Pteropodidae are efficient climbers but cannot effectively walk, whereas Phyllostomidae and Vespertilionidae are better at terrestrial locomotion but show reduced arboreal capabilities. The non-flight locomotion of Hipposideridae and Rhinolophidae is less understood, although rhinolophids exhibit limited terrestrial locomotion. This study examined whether differences in locomotor behavior are associated with variation in acetabular morphology. A geometric morphometric analysis of acetabular shape was conducted across multiple families. The results revealed that family membership accounted for approximately 59% of shape variation, with pteropodids displaying acetabular traits consistent with increased hip mobility while more terrestrial families displayed morphologies consistent with greater joint stability. These findings suggest that acetabular morphology retains functional signals consistent with differences in non-flight locomotion.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Huff, Jordan L., "A Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Acetabular Shape Variation Across Bat Families" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4749. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4749
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Animal Structures Commons, Biology Commons, Evolution Commons, Musculoskeletal System Commons, Zoology Commons
