ABSTRACT
Most genetic oriented research on vampire bats has a strong evolutionary basis and focuses primarily on phylogenetic relationships with respect to various subfamilies within the Phyllostomidae as well as the relationships among the three genera, Desmodus, Diaemus, and Diphylla. This chapter evaluates some data in light of proposed phylogenies of vampire bats, interpretations of chromosomal and molecular evolution, and where appropriate, ideas for future genetic research. The distribution of C-band positive material is considered significant because it identifies which chromosomal rearrangements have resulted in changes in the euchromatic linkage groups. In contrast to C-bands, G-bands provide a means of estimating genetic homology of euchromatic arms through comparisons of patterns of bands that are distinguished by differential staining intensity. The two experimental techniques used in studies of the biochemical genetics of vampire bats have been starch gel electrophoresis of enzymatic and nonenzymatic protein and quantitative immunology involving microcomplement fixation.
