The house mouse: a witness to the history of human mobility in Africa
The genomes of mice introduced to Africa reveal several waves of arrival and provide clues about the routes taken by humans.
By analyzing 380 house mouse genomes, an international team has traced their arrival in Africa. At least three lineages originating in Eurasia colonized the continent at different times, as human interactions unfolded. From the Sahara to the ports of West Africa, their genomes thus bear traces of ancient trade routes. This research also sheds light on the current dynamics of biological invasions and how to monitor them.