Mutated Chernobyl dogs undergo rapid evolution - study

Evolution is generally associated with slow changes over long periods of time. However, recent studies have shown that dogs living in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone have undergone significant genetic changes in just 40 years after the Chornobyl accident.

Scientists analyzing the DNA of dogs living in the exclusion zone found unique genetic markers that differ from their relatives living in other regions. This indicates that dogs exposed to extreme conditions of radioactive contamination have adapted to the new environment through rapid genetic changes, IFLScience reports.

Interestingly, not only dogs have undergone evolutionary changes. Studies of other species, such as wolves and tree frogs, have also shown their adaptation to the conditions of the exclusion zone. Wolves have developed resistance to cancer, and frogs have changed their color, which helped them survive better in conditions of increased radiation.

The reasons for such rapid evolutionary changes are not fully understood. However, scientists suggest that radiation could have caused mutations in the animal genome that were passed on to subsequent generations. In addition, those individuals that could not adapt to the new conditions died out, leaving offspring that were more resistant to radiation.

These discoveries suggest that evolution can occur much faster than previously thought, especially in the face of significant environmental changes. The study of Chornobyl animals opens new horizons for understanding the processes of adaptation of living organisms to extreme conditions.

If you want to get the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine, subscribe to our Telegram channel!