Bats originated in Europe, rewriting mammals’ family tree, study reveals
A new study published in Nature reveals that bats likely originated in Europe approximately 65 million years ago, rather than Africa or Asia. Researchers analyzed ancient fossils and genomic data to reshape the understanding of the mammalian family tree.
Why it matters
Understanding the evolutionary history of bats provides critical insights into how these mammals carry viruses, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating human diseases like cancer.
A hammer-headed fruit bat in DRC, where scientists collected bat DNA swabs as data for the study. Photograph: Sarah Olson/Wildlife Conservation Society Canada A hammer-headed fruit bat in DRC, where scientists collected bat DNA swabs as data for the study. Photograph: Sarah Olson/Wildlife Conservation Society Canada The age of extinction Mammals Bats originated in Europe, rewriting mammals’ family tree, study reveals Biggest study of its kind provides insights into bats’ evolution – a potential gamechanger for research into treating viruses and cancer in humans
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