Bat genomes and fossils point to a European origin 65 million years ago

edited by Swati Mestri , reviewed by Robert Egan

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Add as preferred source Antrozous pallidus from the U.S. Credit: Elizabeth Clare New research from the University of St Andrews has created the largest combined study of bat genomes and fossils ever undertaken, finding that bats most likely originated in Europe around 65 million years ago before spreading across the world.

The work also reveals that echolocation, like flight, evolved near the dawn of bat evolution and lays the groundwork for research into the genetic basis of bats' exceptional longevity and disease resistance, with potential relevance to human health.