Forget Asia and Africa: bats originated in Europe 65 million years ago
A genomic study of 103 species and 44 fossils places the origin of bats in Europe 65 million years ago and dates the birth of flight and echolocation, in a Nature paper with CSIC participation.
A new study has challenged the long-held belief that bats originated in Asia, Africa, or the Americas. According to researchers, bats first emerged around 65 million years ago in Europe, from which they subsequently spread to colonize other parts of the globe. This groundbreaking research, the most comprehensive to date on bats, combines genome sequencing of 103 species with the examination of 44 fossils, forming part of the Bat1K international consortium aimed at gathering genomic information on bats.
The study, published in Nature, marks the first time the genome of a flying mammal has been reconstructed, providing scientists with a solid framework for investigating the genes responsible for bats' unique characteristics. The findings could eventually shed light on human ageing, immunity, and disease resistance. Experts emphasize that powered flight and echolocation, two defining traits of bats, were already present in their earliest ancestors.
The study also highlights the importance of bats in ecosystems, citing their role in pollination, seed dispersal, and controlling insect populations.
Written by urgent.news from Euronews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
