Yangochiroptera

Yangochiroptera is a clade within the order Chiroptera defined by molecular phylogenetics as one of the two major crown-group lineages of bats, the other being Yinpterochiroptera. In this framework, Yangochiroptera comprises the majority of bats traditionally categorized as microbats, with the megabats of Pteropodidae placed in Yinpterochiroptera. The split between Yangochiroptera and Yinpterochiroptera is a result of genetic analyses and is treated as reflecting deep evolutionary relationships rather than simple morphological grouping. The two clades are thought to have diverged during the early Cenozoic.

Members of Yangochiroptera exhibit substantial diversity in form, ecology, and behavior. Feeding strategies are varied, including insectivory, frugivory, nectarivory, and omnivory, with insectivory being common in many lineages. Most species rely on echolocation to navigate and locate prey, and call structure and emission mechanisms vary across groups.

Geographically, Yangochiroptera has a global distribution, with species adapted to a wide range of habitats, from forests and deserts to urban environments. Roosting habits are diverse as well, including caves, hollow trees, foliage, and man-made structures.

Taxonomically, the Yangochiroptera concept reflects a shift in bat systematics toward molecular-based trees and away from the traditional Microchiroptera nomenclature. Some authorities continue to use older classifications or differ on the exact boundaries of the clades, highlighting ongoing revisions as new genetic and morphological data emerge. See also Yinpterochiroptera for the sister clade.