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\section{Title}  Asymmetric morphological variation solves the taxonomy of \textit{Carollia} (Mammalia: Chiroptera)    \section{Introduction}  \textit{Carollia} is a genus of phyllostomid, fruit-eating bats widespread distributed and highly abundant in the Neotropic. These species are crucial for different ecological processes, like seed dispersal and restoration of tropical forests. Due to their ecological plasticity, species of this genus are often found in disturbed and transformed ecosystems that are under high levels of pressure. It is also common two find two or even three sympatric species all along South America.  

In order to further explore the importance of shape variation for the morphological delimitation and identification of \textit{Carollia} species, in this study, it was aimed to isolate and study the patterns of symmetric and asymmetric morphological variation of the genus \textit{Carollia} in Colombia.    \section{Materials and methods}  Crania of 286 specimens (\textit{C. brevicauda=108}; \textit{C. castanea}=82; \textit{C. perspicillata}=96) were photographed with a Nikon D5100 camera and a AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens in occlusal view. Blaker (1976) methodology for estimating optimal focal distance was used to standardize the photographs and ensure their best quality.   16 landmarks and semilandmarks were used to describe cranial shape, following Klingenberg (2015) guidelines to study structures with object symmetry. Object symmetry divides a structure in two subregions based on a plane of symmetry.