A new study published in the journal Nature has brought clarity to the origins of bats, revealing that the earliest bats likely emerged in Europe approximately 65 million years ago. The study examined genomes from all 21 modern bat families and compared them to numerous fossil bats to reach this conclusion.
Previously, there was debate among scientists about whether bats could have originated from Asia, Africa, or North America due to sparse fossil records. Sonja Vernes, the senior author of the study and director of the Bat1K consortium, explained that bats’ ability to fly enabled them to disperse globally over millions of years.
By sequencing genomes from 103 bat species and analyzing their traits and genes in comparison to 44 bat fossils, researchers uncovered that ancient bats had 26 chromosomes and evolved around the time of the dinosaur extinction. The study also revealed that bats developed echolocation early on, with the fossil bat Vielasia, which lived 50 million years ago, being a key part of the bat family tree.
Today, there are 1,500 bat species worldwide, representing a significant portion of mammal species. The study’s comprehensive analysis provides insights into how the 21 bat families are interconnected.
The data from the study, now publicly available, holds promise for potential applications in human health. Researchers are particularly intrigued by bats’ longevity and resistance to viral diseases, hoping that studying their genomes could unlock valuable insights for medical advancements inspired by bat biology.
The collaborative effort involved 600 researchers worldwide, including Canadians like Burton Lim from the Royal Ontario Museum, who contributed samples for genome testing. Lim’s research on bats from Central and South America sheds light on the diverse adaptations and ecological roles of these remarkable creatures.
Overall, the study underscores the intricate evolutionary history of bats and the importance of preserving their genetic diversity. By sharing such a vast array of bat genomes for research, the scientific community is poised to delve deeper into understanding the unique features and behaviors that make bats exceptional mammals.