Bats originated in Europe, rewriting mammals’ family tree, study reveals
A new study suggests that bats originated in Europe around 65 million years ago, changing previous beliefs about their evolutionary origins. Researchers analyzed fossils and genetic data from bats worldwide to reach this conclusion. The findings also indicate that echolocation evolved early in bat history.
Scientists found that bats likely began in Europe, not Africa or Asia, and that echolocation developed early in their evolution. They used DNA samples and fossils to trace bat origins and evolution.
The discovery changes the understanding of mammal evolution and could help in studying diseases and traits like echolocation and flight in humans.
The study shows how scientific research can uncover new truths and advance knowledge, offering hope for future discoveries and applications in science and medicine.
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