Title
Renal structure in neotropical bats: Using stable isotopes to explore relationships between diet and morphology
Date Issued
01 January 2001
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Herrera L.
Del C.
Braun E.
Hobson K.
Publisher(s)
Taylor and Francis Ltd.
Abstract
The relationship between kidney structure and diet was examined in several species of bats from the tropics. The trophic level of the bats was determined by their stable nitrogen isotopic composition (δ15N). The results indicate that the relative thickness of the renal medulla is directly related to the trophic level of the bats. Additionally, we also determined the relationship between body mass and kidney structure. Relative medullary thickness was reciprocally related to body mass in animalivorous bats but no relationship was found in phytophagous bats. Stable isotope analysis provided a quantitative approximation of diet to test its relationship with kidney structure.
Start page
1
End page
11
Volume
37
Issue
1
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Ecología
Zoología, Ornitología, Entomología, ciencias biológicas del comportamiento
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-0035556783
PubMed ID
Source
Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies
ISSN of the container
10256016
Sponsor(s)
We appreciate the help of German MCndez, Daniel Estrada, David Curiel, Cristobal Galindo and Adriana Manzo during the field work. Garth Parry performed stable isotope analyses. The staff of the Biological Station of Los Tuxtlas granted us permission to use their facilities. Rodrigo Medellin provided logistic support to collect in Chajul. This work was funded by grants from Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia to LGHM. This research was conducted under permit from SEMARNAP, Mexico.
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus