House Sparrow

# Evolutionary Timeline of the House Sparrow The House Sparrow (*Passer domesticus*) has a rich evolutionary history tied to avian diversification and human influence. Originating from ancient passerine birds, its evolution reflects adaptations to changing environments, particularly the rise of agriculture. Key pressures include climate shifts, habitat changes, and symbiosis with humans. ## Key Milestones - **~50-60 Million Years Ago (Eocene Epoch)**: Emergence of Passeriformes (songbirds) from early avian ancestors, adapting to forested environments post-Cretaceous extinction. - **~10-20 Million Years Ago (Miocene Epoch)**: Divergence of the Passeridae family, with ancestors developing seed-eating beaks amid grassland expansions. - **~2-3 Million Years Ago (Pliocene-Pleistocene)**: Genus *Passer* evolves in the Old World, facing ice ages and habitat fragmentation. - **~10,000 Years Ago (Holocene)**: House Sparrow adapts to human settlements in the Middle East, spreading globally via agriculture and urbanization. - **Recent Centuries**: Rapid expansion and local adaptations due to human globalization, including invasive populations in new continents.