A new study has revealed that bats release echolocation sounds and they have spatial map in their brains that helps them to acclimatize to external factors. The map represents different echo delays.

The researchers at Technische Universitat Munchen (TUM) found that when the bats fly very close to an object, the numbers of activated neurons in their brain increase. As a result, the object becomes visible excessively larger on the bats brain map than objects that are at a safe distance. Bats assess their own movement and map it against the lateral distance to objects.

From the results, it was deduced that the nerve cells interpret the bats' responses to external stimuli by expanding the active area in the brain to show important information.

Bats are nocturnal creatures which are directed by echolation sounds. These sounds are used to help them through the skies. Researchers have carefully studied the map used by these creatures to guide themselves, along with their adaptation to certain external factors.

The map was similar to the navigation systems used in cars. "The major difference, however, is that the bats' inbuilt system warns them of an impending collision by enhancing neuronal signals for objects that are in close proximity", explained study director Dr. Uwe Firzlaff at the TUM Chair of Zoology.

Researchers said that the skill of bats to determine lateral distance to objects plays a key role in their travels. Dr. Uwe Firzlaff said that they have revealed one of the fundamental mechanisms that allow vertebrates to adjust flexibly to continuously changing environments.