Scientists Identify Europe as Evolutionary Origin of Bats
A global research effort has traced the emergence of bats to Europe approximately 65 million years ago.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Life Sciences
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An international study led by the Bat1K consortium has determined that bats originated in Europe 65 million years ago. The team reconstructed the evolutionary history of flight and echolocation by combining genomic data from 103 bat species with records from 44 fossil species.
Why it matters
This research clarifies the origins of autonomous flight and echolocation in mammals, providing critical insights into how bats evolved to account for one-fifth of all current mammal species. The findings also establish a new genomic database that is expected to support future medical studies on human aging, immunity, and disease resistance.
The study utilized genomic data from 103 species across 21 recognized bat families, comparing these sequences against a 44-species fossil record. Researchers specifically used a region of the X chromosome to resolve evolutionary relationships.
The players
Bat1K
This international research consortium comprises 137 scientists from 64 countries dedicated to mapping the genomes of all living bat species.
The details
The Bat1K consortium involved 137 researchers from 64 countries who integrated computational analysis with diverse fossil records. By tracking branches through time, including the French Vielasia fossil and the 55-million-year-old Australonycteris specimens from Australia, the team mapped the spread of these mammals across the globe.
Timeline
65 million years ago: Bats originated in Europe.
55 million years ago: Australonycteris fossils found in Australia date to this time.
16 to 18 million years ago: St Bathans fossils in New Zealand were formed.
2023: The Vielasia fossil was analyzed for the study.
The Big Picture
The study extends the findings of the Bat1K genome sequencing project by integrating ancient fossil records into their evolutionary timeline. This integration bridges the gap between historical paleontology and modern molecular genetics to redefine the mammalian tree of life.
The creation of this comprehensive genomic database could eventually lead to new medical treatments by identifying the genetic basis for disease resistance found in bats. These findings may inform future research on human immunity and the biological mechanisms of aging.
The takeaway
Understanding the evolutionary path of bats reveals how highly specialized traits like powered flight successfully emerged in mammals. These findings demonstrate the value of combining modern DNA analysis with deep-time fossil evidence to reconstruct the history of complex species.
Further reading
For more information on recent advancements in evolutionary biology, visit the Life Sciences section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PlusNews.
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