New Study Traces Bats’ Origins to Europe Around 65 Million Years Ago

A new study has shed light on the mysterious origins of bats, suggesting that the flying mammals first emerged in Europe around 65 million years ago. The findings provide new clues about the early evolution of bats and challenge previous theories about where these unique mammals originated.

Researchers combined genetic data from modern bat species with evidence from fossils to reconstruct the evolutionary history of bats. The study examined genomes from more than 100 bat species as well as fossil evidence, allowing scientists to trace the movements and diversification of bats over millions of years.

According to the findings, bats most likely originated in Europe between 65 million and 60 million years ago, during the late Paleocene period. Scientists believe early bat populations subsequently spread to other parts of the world, including Africa, before eventually reaching different continents.

Bats are among the most distinctive groups of mammals because they are the only mammals capable of sustained powered flight. They have also developed several specialised characteristics, including echolocation, which allows many species to navigate and locate prey by producing and detecting high-frequency sounds.

The research also examined how echolocation evolved among early bats. Scientists found evidence suggesting that the ability to use sound for navigation may have appeared very early in bat evolution. Fossil evidence played an important role in helping researchers understand the characteristics of some of the earliest known members of the bat lineage.

The study further explored changes in bat chromosomes over evolutionary time. Researchers found evidence that chromosome fusions contributed significantly to the development of modern bat genomes. Such genetic changes may have helped shape the remarkable diversity seen among bats today.

Determining the origins of bats has been difficult because their early fossil record is limited and fragmented. Their ability to fly and travel across large distances has also made it challenging for scientists to establish where the earliest populations lived.

By combining genetic and fossil evidence, the latest research provides a clearer picture of the early history of bats. The findings suggest that Europe played a significant role in the emergence of these mammals before they gradually expanded across the globe and developed into the diverse group of species seen today.