Biol Lett June 2021 PMID 34186001

The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution.

Matthew F Jones, Qiang Li, Xijun Ni, K Christopher Beard

Mentions

90
Peak: 32 in Jul 2021
across 5 sources since Jun 2021

Extended reach

403,701
potential audience

Total likes

5,612

Video views

82,908

Mentions per month

Jun 2021 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Contributors frequently express excitement, with phrases like 'LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOO!' and references to the newly described species Altaynycteris aurora. The use of enthusiastic language and hashtags such as #BatEvolution and #palaeontology creates a vibrant atmosphere, reflecting the discussions' high engagement and interest levels regarding the publication's contributions to evolutionary biology.

AgreementStrong agreement

The overwhelming sentiment among the discussions is one of support for the publication, with many participants expressing excitement about the findings.

InterestHigh interest

There is a high level of curiosity surrounding the research, as evidenced by numerous comments highlighting the significance of discovering one of the oldest bat species.

EngagementHigh engagement

Several discussions delve into details about the fossils, methods used, and broader implications for bat evolution, indicating deep engagement with the content.

ImpactHigh impact

Participants believe this publication will greatly influence the understanding of bat evolution and related fields, reflecting a view of high scholarly impact.

Abstract in brief

  • Bats first evolved powered flight and spread across many continents, but early Eocene bats were previously absent from mainland Asia.
  • Fossil discoveries in northern Xinjiang, China, reveal two teeth that represent the earliest known bats in Asia, showcasing a mix of advanced bat traits and more primitive features seen in other mammals.
  • These findings suggest that early bats in central Asia could be crucial for understanding bat evolution, similar to discoveries made in other groups of placental mammals.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Matt Jones, PhD
@therealmfj · X

I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (1/7) https://t.co/BIVJpJXygx

Jun 30, 2021 · 134 likes · 32 shares · 604 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. Its fossils can help address major gaps in bat evolution: https://t.co/SXsPTqSG5B from @ChrisBe70536933 @therealmfj | #BatEvolution #palaeontology #Chiroptera https://t.co/YvUSTw9Qyk

Jul 11, 2021 · 47 likes · 15 shares · 38,703 followers View post →
Tristan Landis
@Rednaxela1821 · X

LETS GOOOOOOOOOOO! Earliest #bat remains from the early Eocene of the Junggar Basin in China! https://t.co/apEN1FXuXk

Jun 30, 2021 · 17 likes · 2 shares · 1,776 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

Happy #FossilFriday from #BiologyLetters! The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of #bat. Its fossils can help address major gaps in bat evolution: https://t.co/SXsPTqSG5B #palaeontology https://t.co/uIVN6Jm4VH

Feb 18, 2022 · 16 likes · 5 shares · 38,703 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

Happy #FossilFriday from #BiologyLetters! The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. Its fossils can help address major gaps in bat evolution: https://t.co/SXsPTqSG5B https://t.co/6N0IJz4ZtK

Jul 2, 2021 · 14 likes · 2 shares · 38,703 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

The recently discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. Its fossils can help address major gaps in bat evolution: https://t.co/C6KoIgTHza #BatEvolution #palaeontology #Chiroptera #FossilFriday #BiologyLetters https://t.co/qg7rUiEeec

Jul 1, 2022 · 8 likes · 4 shares · 38,703 followers View post →

All mentions

Unveiling the Origins of Early Bats in Asia

This video delves into the early evolutionary history of bats, focusing on recent fossil discoveries in northern Xinjiang, China. These findings reveal the earliest known bats in Asia, showcasing a mix of advanced…

Dr. Polaris · Oct 27, 2024 21,632 views
Jay Cragg
@CraggJay89829 · X

https://t.co/14nKAorDzy

Sep 25, 2025 · 98 followers View post →
forest_blerta
@forest_blerta · X

https://t.co/wHkekFBM5S

Sep 22, 2025 · 50 followers View post →
Gordon Neighbour
@CornubiaGeol · X

RT @RSocPublishing: The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. I…

Sep 9, 2022 · 1 share · 3,658 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. Its fossils can help address major gaps in bat evolution: https://t.co/SXsPTqSG5B #BatEvolution #palaeontology #Chiroptera #FossilFriday https://t.co/16IOWSeSbL

Sep 9, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 38,703 followers View post →
Lizzie Platt
@HenlakeBats · X

The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution | Biology Letters https://t.co/yXCkXOxJZ0

Aug 16, 2022 · 4,032 followers View post →
Nicolás Reyes-Amaya
@Nicolas_ReyesA · X

Increíble trabajo. Eso me recuerda un trabajo de dientes fósiles de Thyroptera que tengo pendiente hace años (no tan interesante como este por supuesto): The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution | Biology Letters https://t.co/PyulwxFZsL

Aug 13, 2022 · 1 like · 381 followers View post →
Gordon Neighbour
@CornubiaGeol · X

RT @RSocPublishing: The recently discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat…

Jul 1, 2022 · 4 shares · 3,658 followers View post →
Naoto HANDA
@Nao_hnd · X

RT @RSocPublishing: The recently discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat…

Jul 1, 2022 · 4 shares · 1,380 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

The recently discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. Its fossils can help address major gaps in bat evolution: https://t.co/C6KoIgTHza #BatEvolution #palaeontology #Chiroptera #FossilFriday #BiologyLetters https://t.co/qg7rUiEeec

Jul 1, 2022 · 8 likes · 4 shares · 38,703 followers View post →
Gordon Neighbour
@CornubiaGeol · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Happy #FossilFriday from #BiologyLetters! The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ag…

Feb 18, 2022 · 5 shares · 3,658 followers View post →
Dr Diana Fusco (megalibgwilia)(ecoevo)(.)(social)
@HvyMetalPalaeo · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Happy #FossilFriday from #BiologyLetters! The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ag…

Feb 18, 2022 · 5 shares · 722 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

Happy #FossilFriday from #BiologyLetters! The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of #bat. Its fossils can help address major gaps in bat evolution: https://t.co/SXsPTqSG5B #palaeontology https://t.co/uIVN6Jm4VH

Feb 18, 2022 · 16 likes · 5 shares · 38,703 followers View post →
Global Union of Bat Diversity Networks (GBatNet)
@GlobalBatNet · X

RT @BaheerathanM: "The presence of highly plesiomorphic

Jul 20, 2021 · 1 share · 2,052 followers View post →
Baheerathan M
@BaheerathanM · X

"The presence of highly plesiomorphic

Jul 19, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 993 followers View post →
Seth Rojello Fernández
@TalkingToxics · X

I love vintage stuff, researchers found bat

Jul 16, 2021 · 1 like · 378 followers View post →
lucas estudando a ciência
@lucas_g_wendt · X

The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution https://t.co/HlXxONNcLk

Jul 11, 2021 · 2 likes · 2,370 followers View post →
Taro Nojiri | 動物学者
@bio_sonar · X

RT @RSocPublishing: The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. I…

Jul 11, 2021 · 15 shares · 1,504 followers View post →
FrancisTheDibujante
@Francisnimado1 · X

RT @RSocPublishing: The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. I…

Jul 11, 2021 · 15 shares · 117 followers View post →
Richard_Carr
@EmuLarge · X

RT @RSocPublishing: The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. I…

Jul 11, 2021 · 15 shares · 1,852 followers View post →
Crowtheri_xan
@jowoenglish101 · X

RT @RSocPublishing: The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. I…

Jul 11, 2021 · 15 shares · 256 followers View post →
David Russell Barton
@DavidRBarton1 · X

RT @RSocPublishing: The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. I…

Jul 11, 2021 · 15 shares · 488 followers View post →
Dr. Darcy Shapiro
@darcy_shapiro · X

RT @RSocPublishing: The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. I…

Jul 11, 2021 · 15 shares · 1,500 followers View post →
Matt Jones, PhD
@therealmfj · X

RT @RSocPublishing: The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. I…

Jul 11, 2021 · 15 shares · 604 followers View post →
Himender Bharti
@adubharti · X

The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution | Biology Letters https://t.co/GuTnAw7J5R

Jul 11, 2021 · 1,326 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. Its fossils can help address major gaps in bat evolution: https://t.co/SXsPTqSG5B from @ChrisBe70536933 @therealmfj | #BatEvolution #palaeontology #Chiroptera https://t.co/YvUSTw9Qyk

Jul 11, 2021 · 47 likes · 15 shares · 38,703 followers View post →
Palaeo Pictures
@PalaeoPictures · X

The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution https://t.co/fboVG34FhA #palaeontology #paleontology #palaeontologist #palaeontologists #palæ #palaeo #fossilfinds #fossilsearch #fossil #fossilwatch #fossilcollecting #science #scicomm https://t.co/m4j0mE8gO8

Jul 9, 2021 · 476 followers View post →
Benjamin RAYNAUD
@BenjaminRAYNAU2 · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jul 7, 2021 · 32 shares · 209 followers View post →
Ordo Fraterna Fibonacci
@OrdoFibonacci · X

The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution | Biology Letters https://t.co/PXaoaF2KaM

Jul 7, 2021 · 1 like · 2,571 followers View post →
I Wish You Were Dead - Podcast
@DeadPodcast_ · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution | Biology Letters https://t.co/BIQFSj…

Jul 4, 2021 · 2 shares · 41 followers View post →
PaleoGalli
@TwitiGalli · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution | Biology Letters https://t.co/BIQFSj…

Jul 4, 2021 · 2 shares · 1,708 followers View post →
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
@TomHoltzPaleo · X

The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution | Biology Letters https://t.co/BIQFSjOS4X

Jul 4, 2021 · 8 likes · 2 shares · 31,843 followers View post →
Javier González-Dionis
@JagondiTNF · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jul 2, 2021 · 32 shares · 361 followers View post →
Gordon Neighbour
@CornubiaGeol · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Happy #FossilFriday from #BiologyLetters! The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ag…

Jul 2, 2021 · 2 shares · 3,658 followers View post →
Kristen Miller
@Kristen_paleo · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jul 2, 2021 · 32 shares · 90 followers View post →
Anna Klompen, PhD
@GelatinousSting · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jul 2, 2021 · 32 shares · 2,800 followers View post →
Jose Cuevas
@JoeMCuevas · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Happy #FossilFriday from #BiologyLetters! The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ag…

Jul 2, 2021 · 2 shares · 700 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

Happy #FossilFriday from #BiologyLetters! The newly discovered species Altaynycteris aurora – from ~55 million years ago – is one of the oldest species of bat. Its fossils can help address major gaps in bat evolution: https://t.co/SXsPTqSG5B https://t.co/6N0IJz4ZtK

Jul 2, 2021 · 14 likes · 2 shares · 38,703 followers View post →
Lotta Fjelkegård @lottassociala.bsky.social
@lottas_sociala · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jul 1, 2021 · 32 shares · 904 followers View post →
Chris Beard
@ChrisBe70536933 · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jul 1, 2021 · 32 shares · 130 followers View post →
Lizzie Platt
@HenlakeBats · X

The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution | Biology Letters https://t.co/8VOc6rXXKK

Jul 1, 2021 · 1 like · 4,032 followers View post →
Juan Too Manny Strong Opinions
@TheMainManManny · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jul 1, 2021 · 32 shares · 422 followers View post →
Burton Lim
@burtonlim · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jul 1, 2021 · 32 shares · 1,715 followers View post →
Joel López Parés
@jovepaleontoleg · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jul 1, 2021 · 32 shares · 1,456 followers View post →
Opie
@PalaeoPhilo · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 790 followers View post →
Emilio
@batmanv10 · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 176 followers View post →
Porapinz
@porapinz · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 766 followers View post →
SearsLab
@Sears_Lab · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 1,737 followers View post →
Renay-nana-nay
@Renay48937 · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 2,571 followers View post →
Cl1FF
@Cl1ffDynos · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 279 followers View post →
Ashwini V Mohan ಅಶ್ವಿನಿ
@crazy_chipkali · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 3,858 followers View post →
Sharifu K Tusuubira
@tkksharif · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 891 followers View post →
Jordi Estefa
@jorestlop · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 237 followers View post →
Andrzej Wolniewicz
@ASWolniewicz · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 1,827 followers View post →
Jente Ottenburghs | Avian Hybrids
@Jente_O · X

The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution | Biology Letters https://t.co/fTzYCTToLF

Jun 30, 2021 · 1 like · 4,046 followers View post →
Kaila Colyott, PhD
@klcolyott · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 534 followers View post →
Jessica Light
@je_light · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 3,199 followers View post →
Sergi López-Torres
@S_LopezTorres · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 1,030 followers View post →
Fang ( Commissions Open)
@Fang83768513 · X

RT @Rednaxela1821: LETS GOOOOOOOOOOO! Earliest #bat remains from the early Eocene of the Junggar Basin in China! https://t.co/apEN1FXuXk

Jun 30, 2021 · 2 shares · 1,556 followers View post →
Lee Drake
@Lee__Drake · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 2,227 followers View post →
Tristan Landis
@Rednaxela1821 · X

LETS GOOOOOOOOOOO! Earliest #bat remains from the early Eocene of the Junggar Basin in China! https://t.co/apEN1FXuXk

Jun 30, 2021 · 17 likes · 2 shares · 1,776 followers View post →
Miguel E. Rodriguez-Posada
@MiguelERodrigu6 · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 758 followers View post →
FossilFlex™
@FossilFlex · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 339 followers View post →
Marcos K. Pinheiro / "Marcos Wyvern" (Marcosaurus)
@BongMarcosaurus · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 1,007 followers View post →
Ramon Nagesan
@RamonSN · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 1,074 followers View post →
Mark T. Holder
@mtholder · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 1,119 followers View post →
Extinct and Extant
@Extinct_Extant · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 685 followers View post →
Maria E. Orive
@MEOrive · X

RT @therealmfj: I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (…

Jun 30, 2021 · 32 shares · 1,325 followers View post →
Matt Jones, PhD
@therealmfj · X

I’m happy to announce our new paper out today in Biology Letters describing the first early Eocene bat fossils from Asia! (1/7) https://t.co/BIVJpJXygx

Jun 30, 2021 · 134 likes · 32 shares · 604 followers View post →
Bloodsucking Parasites
@bloodSparasites · X

RT @batpapers: The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution https://t.co/2rVwYzvlrp https://t.co/jXIq…

Jun 30, 2021 · 1 share · 5,100 followers View post →
Bat_papers
@batpapers · X

The earliest Asian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) address major gaps in bat evolution https://t.co/2rVwYzvlrp https://t.co/jXIqzl1z6C

Jun 30, 2021 · 1 share · 1,253 followers View post →