Where Did Rats Originally Come From?
WouterRats have an interesting history and can be traced back to ancient times. There are many theories as to where they first came from, but one theory is that they originated in Southeast Asia. The black rat, which is the type commonly found in Europe, likely originated in Southeast Asia, but is now common throughout the world. In fact, this species has even been traced to southwest India, where it colonized the land, where it became a major source of Roman spices.
In the late Pleistocene, fossil evidence suggests that the brown rat inhabited southern China. However, this fossil record may not be representative of the species’ current range. In fact, the brown rat’s range may not be comparable to other, closely related species. In addition, the brown rat is frequently described as having a more southern range.
In the past, rats were domesticated by selective breeding, similar to the way that humans breed dogs. In some cases, rats were selectively bred for specific purposes, such as for laboratory experiments. In other cases, the rat was selected for specific traits. The Wistar rat, in particular, became the most popular choice for laboratory use. The Sprague-Dawley rat, on the other hand, was less popular.
The origins of the Norway rat are not completely known. This species has become established in urban areas, possibly because it adapted to urban life. It is omnivorous, opportunistic, and competitive, and can survive in various habitats.
