A new study from the University of St Andrews has produced the largest combined analysis of bat genomes and fossils to date. The researchers conclude that bats most likely first appeared in Europe around 65 million years ago before spreading across the world.
The team integrated genetic data from living bats with fossil records to reconstruct the group's early history. Their results point to a European origin for bats, followed by dispersal to other continents over time.
This report is based on a single study, so there are no conflicting sources to compare. The conclusion rests on the combined genomic and fossil evidence, and future discoveries could refine or revise the timeline.