Why in the News?

The Common Noctule Bats are surf over the storm winds when they migrate thousands of miles across continents, reveals new research.

About the Common Noctule Bats (Nyctalus noctula)

The common noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) is one of the largest bat species in Europe.
It has a body length of 7–9 cm, a wingspan of 32–40 cm, and weighs between 18–40 grams.
Its fur is reddish-brown to golden-brown, darker on the back and lighter underneath, while its wings are long and narrow, designed for fast and sustained flight.

- Common noctules are known for their swift and high-altitude flight, reaching heights of up to 3,000 meters.
- They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on moths, beetles, and other flying insects.
- Their echolocation abilities allow them to detect and hunt prey with precision, even in complete darkness.
- Although classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, common noctule bats face several threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization.
Habitat:
- The common noctule bat is widely distributed across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, extending into Siberia and parts of China.
- It is migratory, especially in central and eastern Europe, traveling long distances between summer breeding sites and winter hibernation sites.
- It inhabits forests and woodlands, where it uses hollow trees for roosting, as well as urban areas, where it often roosts in buildings, attics, and bat boxes.
- These bats also thrive in wetlands and grasslands, hunting over water bodies and open fields where insect populations are abundant.

[2012] Consider the following kinds of organisms:

1. Bat

2. Bee

3. Bird

Which of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3