# Evolutionary origins of bats

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/evolutionary-origins-of-bats
> Updated: 2026-09-26T10:18:22.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

Research published in the journal Nature by the international Bat1K consortium suggests that bats likely originated in Europe approximately 65 million years ago. This finding challenges previous scientific hypotheses that suggested the lineage emerged in North America, Asia, or Africa.

The study involved 137 scientists analyzing 103 bat genomes and 44 fossil specimens. Findings indicate that key evolutionary traits, including powered flight and echolocation, likely co-evolved near the origin of the lineage rather than evolving incrementally. 

Data suggests that early bat ancestors expanded from a European population into Africa, establishing a Euro-African core before dispersing in multiple waves to Asia, the Americas, and Australia. The research also noted that modern bat diversity resulted largely from chromosome fusions.

## Claims

- The Bat1K consortium conducted the research on bat evolution. (single source)
- The study was published in the journal Nature. (single source)
- Modern bats originated in Europe approximately 65 million years ago. (single source)
- The study combined genome sequencing of 103 species with the analysis of 44 fossil specimens. (single source)
- Powered flight and echolocation appeared near the origin of the bat lineage. (single source)
- The earliest bat ancestors expanded from Europe into Africa before colonizing other continents. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Bats originated in Europe 65 million years ago, study finds

A study published in Nature reveals that modern bats originated in Europe 65 million years ago, challenging theories of Asian or African origins through genome sequencing and fossil analysis.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bats-originated-in-europe-65-million-years-ago-study-finds

### 2026-09-23: Europe identified as likely origin of bats 65 million years ago

A massive international study published in Nature reveals that bats likely originated in Europe 65 million years ago, using 103 genomes and 44 fossils to rewrite their evolutionary history.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/europe-identified-as-likely-evolutionary-origin-of-bats

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Cite as: Evolutionary origins of bats. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/evolutionary-origins-of-bats