Where do mice originate? - briefly
The genus Mus, encompassing the common house mouse, originated in South‑Asian regions during the Pleistocene epoch. Human‑facilitated spread later established populations on all continents except Antarctica.
Where do mice originate? - in detail
Mice belong to the genus Mus within the family Muridae. The most widespread species, the house mouse (Mus musculus), evolved in the Indian subcontinent, with fossil evidence dating to the late Pleistocene. Genetic analyses indicate that the primary lineage diverged from other murids approximately 1–2 million years ago, followed by rapid expansion across Eurasia.
The species’ dispersal pattern includes several key phases:
- Initial colonization of South‑East Asia and the Middle East from the Indian origin.
- Migration into Europe and North Africa during the last glacial period, facilitated by expanding grassland habitats.
- Introduction to the Americas, Oceania, and other regions through human activity beginning around 10 000 years ago, primarily via stored grain and ship cargo.
Four major subspecies of M. musculus reflect this history:
- M. m. musculus – northern Europe and western Asia.
- M. m. domesticus – Mediterranean basin, later spread worldwide with agriculture.
- M. m. castaneus – South‑East Asia.
- M. m. molossinus – East Asia, especially Japan.
Archaeological sites in Israel and Jordan contain mouse remains associated with early Neolithic settlements, confirming presence in the Fertile Crescent by 10 000 BP. Subsequent radiocarbon dating of specimens from Europe places the arrival of the house mouse around 4 000 BP, coinciding with the spread of agriculture.
Modern distribution data show that wild populations persist in temperate and subtropical zones, while domesticated colonies thrive in laboratories, households, and urban environments worldwide. Their adaptability to diverse habitats stems from a flexible diet, high reproductive rate, and capacity to exploit human‑generated resources.