Where did rats originate in the world? - briefly
The genus Rattus first appeared in Asia, with fossil records pinpointing origins in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia during the Miocene epoch. Subsequent human activity facilitated its global spread.
Where did rats originate in the world? - in detail
Rats belong to the genus Rattus, with the two most widespread species being the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). Both species trace their earliest natural populations to Asia.
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Black rat – Fossil evidence and genetic studies locate its ancestral range in the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions of Southeast Asia. Early populations inhabited tropical forests and agricultural areas, where they co‑evolved with human settlements.
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Brown rat – Originated in the arid steppes of northern China and Mongolia. The species adapted to cooler climates and rocky habitats before expanding southward into temperate zones.
Human activity accelerated global distribution. Beginning in the first millennium CE, maritime trade routes carried the black rat across the Mediterranean, into Europe, and later to the Americas. The brown rat followed a similar trajectory during the 18th and 19th centuries, exploiting expanding rail and shipping networks to colonize urban centers worldwide.
Molecular phylogenetics confirms distinct lineages corresponding to these Asian origins, while archaeological records document the presence of rat remains in ancient ports and grain storage sites, illustrating the long‑standing association between human commerce and rodent dispersal.