Vampire bats have evolved a sensor to detect high temperatures in order to home in on hot spots on their prey where blood flows close to the skin.
Using specialised “pit organs” found around their noses, the bats are able to detect infrared radiation from their prey.
“The study shows how a specialised adaptation — infrared detection — can evolve by different genetic mechanisms in vampire bats and in the only other vertebrates capable of this sensory mechanism,” University of Bristol’s Gareth Jones said.
Read more at Nature