How Did Rats Evolve?
WouterRats evolved into a range of mammals that could survive in their habitats. They originated in Southeast Asia and spread to northeast Asia as early as 200,000 years ago. Later, they reached the Middle East and Europe. In fact, they are now found in every continent except Antarctica. They may have become domesticated after humans began trading with them.
Rats are also known as scavengers and opportunists. Researchers believe that as they adjust to modern lifestyles, their genetics are undergoing a process of change. To find out, researchers from Harpak’s lab examined the genomes of 29 New York rats. These rats were lured into traps with their favorite rodent treats.
Rats are fascinating study subjects. Although they are small, they have a wide range of phenotypes, making them great study subjects. One example is the crested rat, which eats poison strong enough to kill elephants. This species is found in Kenya and has a compartmentalised digestive system that contains symbiotic bacteria.
Interestingly, deer mice originated in China and spread to other parts of the world later than the black rat. They reached Europe around 1300, and eventually spread throughout the world by the late 1700s. Today, you can find brown and black rats in Australian cities, and deer mice are more common in old urban areas.
