In a recent comprehensive study involving the analysis of genomes from all 21 modern bat families and comparison with numerous fossil bats, researchers have put an end to the debate on the origin of bats and shed light on the characteristics of early bats. The study, published in the journal Nature, reveals that the earliest bats likely originated in Europe approximately 65 million years ago.
Previously, there were debates among scientists regarding whether bats could have also emerged from Asia, Africa, or North America. However, due to limited fossil evidence, the question remained unanswered. Sonja Vernes, the senior author of the study and head of the Bat1K consortium, explained that bats, being capable of flight, have been dispersing across the globe for millions of years.
Through the sequencing of genomes from 103 bat species, analysis of their traits and genes, comparison with 44 bat fossils, and the use of advanced computational methods, researchers uncovered that ancient bats had 26 chromosomes and first appeared around 65 million years ago after the extinction of dinosaurs. The study also highlighted the early development of echolocation in bats, with the fossil bat Vielasia, living 50 million years ago, belonging to the oldest branch in the bat family tree.
Today, there exist about 1,500 bat species worldwide, constituting a significant portion of living mammal species. The study’s newly established family tree provides insights into the relationships among the 21 bat families.
With the data now publicly accessible globally, researchers are optimistic about leveraging bat genomes to advance human health. Bats have long intrigued scientists due to their exceptional longevity and resistance to viral diseases, traits that studying their genomes could help uncover.
The collaborative effort involved 600 researchers worldwide, with Burton Lim, an assistant curator of mammals at the Royal Ontario Museum, contributing a substantial number of samples for genome testing. Lim’s research focused on various bat species, including sheath-tailed bats from Central and South America known for their unique flight adaptations.
While bats often face negative perceptions, they play crucial roles in ecosystems, from pollination and seed dispersal to controlling insect populations. The availability of extensive bat genome data for research is expected to catalyze further studies exploring the genetic mechanisms behind bat characteristics like echolocation.
The study has been praised for its detailed exploration of the deep and complex history of bats on Earth. Researchers hope that the genetic insights provided by the study will aid in conservation efforts by identifying genetically less diverse bat families for prioritized preservation. Moreover, making the vast array of bat genomes openly accessible is seen as a significant boon for various research endeavors in the scientific community.
