Bats likely originated in Europe 65 million years ago, study finds

The short version

• An international study in Nature examining 103 bat genomes and 44 fossils concluded bats likely originated in Europe around 65 million years ago, challenging earlier theories of African, Asian, or North American origins.[The Guardian]
• The findings indicate that echolocation and specialized immune adaptations linked to disease resistance and viral tolerance emerged near the dawn of bat evolution.[The Guardian]
• Researchers warn that conservation risks remain high, with 18% of bat species threatened and small litter sizes hindering their recovery from heat and habitat loss.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• A team of over 130 international researchers analyzed 103 genomes from 21 bat families alongside 44 fossil specimens.[The Guardian]
• The study concludes bats likely arose in Europe roughly 65 million years ago before spreading through Africa to Asia, the Americas, and Australia.[The Guardian]
• Echolocation and immune gene adaptations associated with disease resistance evolved near the dawn of bat evolution alongside flight.[The Guardian]
• Roughly 18% of bat species are considered threatened by the IUCN, and about half have declining or unknown population sizes.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Bats originated in Europe, rewriting mammals’ family tree, study revealsThe Guardian - Science