Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Bat Origins and Evolution Study

A large genetic study suggests bats originated in Europe around 65 million years ago, challenging previous theories about their origins in Africa, North America, or Asia. This research also provides a new evolutionary family tree for bats.

The study, published in Nature, is the largest analysis of bat genomes and fossils to date. It analyzed the genomes of 103 species and physical characteristics of 65 species, including 44 fossils. Scientists used this data to map relationships, estimate divergence times, and trace the origins and spread of bats.

Evidence suggests bats first appeared in Europe, then spread to Africa, followed by Asia, the Americas, and Australia. This global dispersal is attributed to their ability to fly.

The research also revisits the debate on whether flight or echolocation evolved first in bats. The new findings, based on a larger dataset, push back the timeline for echolocation, suggesting both traits may have evolved early in bat evolution, but their exact order remains unclear.

This study is part of the Bat1K global initiative to sequence all bat genomes. Findings could aid conservation efforts against threats like habitat loss, climate change, and diseases such as white-nose syndrome.

Furthermore, the research may uncover genetic factors behind bats' unique traits, including their long lifespans and resistance to viruses like Ebola and Nipah. This could potentially lead to insights benefiting human health, such as treatments for zoonotic diseases or cancer.

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