How rats became the planet's most successful invasive species alongside human civilization
In short: Rats emerged in Asia millions of years ago, eventually becoming the world's most successful invasive species. This video explores their long, entangled history with humans, tracing how these resilient creatures survived ice ages and adapted to live alongside us despite our shifting priorities.
The common rat species first appeared in Asia approximately 1 to 3 million years ago. Their survival through Earth's most recent ice age set the stage for a unique evolutionary trajectory that eventually brought them into close proximity with human populations.
Today, rats are recognized as the most successful invasive species globally. Their history is deeply intertwined with our own, as they have consistently adapted to human environments, often navigating the challenges posed by human activity to thrive across the planet.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The history of the world according to rats - Max G. Levy
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