JOURNAL ARTICLE

Humans helped the German cockroach conquer the world.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2024. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: INCORVAIA, DARREN 3 of 3

Abstract

A genetic study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that the German cockroach has spread worldwide with the help of medieval warfare and colonial trade. The study found that the German cockroach is closely related to the Asian cockroach and likely originated in India or Myanmar. The roach first expanded westward to the Middle East around 1200 years ago, possibly hitchhiking in bread baskets, and then expanded eastward to Southeast Asia about 390 years ago through colonial trade. The researchers suggest that the roach's adaptation to the human lifestyle was key to its global spread. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2024/05, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Anatomy and Physiology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • Accession Number:177375908
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