Chiropterophily means

Options

A. pollination by snails
B. pollination by bats
C. pollination by wind
D. pollination by insects

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Term**: The term "chiropterophily" is derived from two Greek words: "chiroptera," which means bat, and "phily," which means love or attraction. Thus, chiropterophily refers to the attraction of bats for the purpose of pollination.

2. **Identifying the Type of Pollination**: Chiropterophily specifically refers to pollination that occurs through the activity of bats. This is a specialized form of pollination that is distinct from other types such as pollination by insects (entomophily) or wind (anemophily).

3. **Habitats and Characteristics**: Chiropterophily is most commonly observed in tropical and desert regions. In these areas, many plants bloom at night, which aligns with the nocturnal habits of bats. These plants typically have pale-colored petals rather than bright colors, which helps attract bats.

4. **Mechanism of Pollination**: When bats visit these flowers to feed on nectar, they inadvertently pick up pollen on their bodies. As they move from flower to flower, they transfer this pollen, facilitating the process of pollination.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, chiropterophily means pollination by bats, specifically involving the interaction between bats and certain types of flowering plants that have adapted to attract these nocturnal pollinators.

---