Human Impacts on the Evolution of Rats and Mice in East Asia

Modern human activities have significantly reshaped Earth’s ecosystems, notably through the domestication of animals and plants during the Neolithic era. This led to profound changes in the relationship between humans and other species, particularly in the development of agriculture across various regions. Rodents, including house mice (Mus musculus), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), and black rats (Rattus rattus complex or Rattus rattus/tanezumi), exemplify species that have adapted to human-modified environments, achieving extensive global distribution. The paper focuses on the evolution of rats and mice in relation to human activities, particularly in East Asia and the Japanese Archipelago (Yaponesia). Advances in DNA sequencing technology have enabled more precise genetic histories for these species, supplementing traditional mitochondrial and microsatellite data. This has opened avenues for understanding their evolutionary history, especially as commensal animals, providing insights into pest control, laboratory research, and human cultural and biological history post-Neolithic era.