How did rodents cross the Atlantic Ocean over 40 million years ago?
In short: This episode of PBS Eons investigates the origins of Caviomorpha rodents. While these animals are native to South America, evidence suggests their ancestors arrived from Africa, raising a significant question about how they traversed the vast ocean to reach a new continent.
The Caviomorpha group, which includes rodents found in South America, likely descended from African ancestors. Scientific consensus points to a trans-Atlantic journey occurring more than 40 million years ago, a feat that requires explaining how these small mammals managed to cross such a massive body of water.
Researchers have long debated the mechanisms of mammalian dispersal, including the historical role of land bridges and continental drift. By examining the fossil record and geological history, scientists continue to refine our understanding of how these rodents successfully colonized South America, fundamentally shaping the continent's biological landscape.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: When Rodents Rafted Across the Ocean
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