The largest combined bat genome and fossil study ever conducted just rewrote the bat family tree
The Bat1K consortium analyzed 103 genomes and 44 fossils, finding that flight and echolocation evolved early in the lineage.
- On Wednesday, researchers publishing in the journal Nature revealed that bats originated in Europe approximately 65 million years ago, contradicting previous hypotheses proposing Asian, African, or North American origins around 50 million years ago.
- The Bat1K project, a collaboration of 134 researchers, conducted the largest combined bat genome and fossil study ever, analyzing 103 bat genomes and 44 fossils to redraw the bat family tree.
- Genetic evidence indicates that powered flight and echolocation evolved early in the bat lineage, present in the oldest branch of the family tree, Eochiroptera, roughly 50 million years ago.
- Understanding bat genetics could improve human health, as researchers seek to apply findings on disease resistance and longevity, while conservation biologist Liliana Davalos noted the work promotes ecological research given that approximately 80% of bat species face threats.
- While this study establishes a robust foundation, researchers continue working to identify the common ancestor of all living bats; Sonja Vernes stated, "For me, this isn't the end of the story; it's just the first chapter.
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Bats may have first evolved in Europe 65 million years ago
A huge genomic and fossil study suggests bats first evolved in Europe around 65 to 60 million years ago before spreading across the globe. The findings also indicate that flight and echolocation emerged near the beginning of bat evolution, potentially helping explain how bats became one of the most successful mammal groups on Earth.
The cradle of bats was most likely Europe, where their ancestors appeared 65 million years ago. This is according to the most extensive research to date combining genetic data from today's species with fossil finds. The study, published last week in the journal Nature, also brought new insights into when bats acquired the ability to fly and navigate using echolocation. Experts from Czech institutions also participated in the research.
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