Lg. Herrera et al., Renal structure in neotropical bats: Using stable isotopes to explore relationships between diet and morphology, ISOT ENV H, 37(1), 2001, pp. 1-11
The relationship between kidney structure and diet was examined in several
species of bats from the tropics. The trophic level of the bats was determi
ned by their stable nitrogen isotopic composition (delta N-15). The results
indicate that the relative thickness of the renal medulla is directly rela
ted to the trophic level of the bats. Additionally, we also determined the
relationship between body mass and kidney structure. Relative medullary thi
ckness was reciprocally related to body mass in animalivorous bats but no r
elationship was found in phytophagous bats. Stable isotope analysis provide
d a quantitative approximation of diet to test its relationship with kidney
structure.