Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

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.

None

Get the Android app

Or read this on ScienceDaily

Read more on:

Photo of Europe

Europe

Photo of bats

bats

Related news:

News photo

Emissions after the Paris accord made Europe’s heatwaves more severe

News photo

Know your numbers – experts welcome first-ever EU Screening Week and encourage citizens across Europe to check their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar

News photo

Daily briefing: Landmark bat study suggests they evolved in Europe