Question

complete the sentence with the word that best fits the overall meaning and tone.
although it is a common _______________ that bats are blind, they are actually able to see in varying degrees.
misconception
misinterpretation

Explanation:

"Misconception" means a wrong idea or belief. The sentence is talking about a common wrong belief (that bats are blind). "Misinterpretation" means wrongly interpreting something (like a message or action). Since the context is about a general wrong belief (not about wrongly interpreting a specific thing), "misconception" is more appropriate.

Answer:

misconception