Scientists Discover Bats Originated in Europe 65 Million Years Ago

A comprehensive global study of bat genomes and fossils indicates that bats likely originated in Europe 65 million years ago during the late Palaeocene.

The research, conducted by 137 scientists from 64 countries in the Bat1K consortium, found that the flying mammals subsequently spread to every continent except Antarctica.

Researchers noted that studying bats' resistance to disease and longevity could provide insights to improve human health.