Researchers discovered that dogs around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant have many genetic differences with dogs elsewhere but have not been able to clearly determine the cause.
Dogs live near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Image: MSN
Evolution is an extremely slow genetic process. However, dogs living at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant are undergoing rapid evolution in the 40 years since the disaster, according to IFL Science. In a study published earlier this year, researchers analyzed blood samples taken from dogs roaming around the power plant and dogs in the surrounding area. They found that those living closest to the explosion site had different DNA, suggesting they were genetically separate from dogs around the world.
“The most notable point in the study is that we determined the dog population living near the reactor by looking at their DNA,” said Elaine Ostrander, a geneticist at the National Human Genome Research Institute at the Institute of Health. National Institute of America (NIH).
At this time, it is unclear how these genetic differences impact the health and characteristics of dogs. However, they are not the only species to evolve after disasters. Recent research examining the genomes of wolves in the region shows that they have developed cancer-resistant abilities.
Another study found that tree frogs living in restricted areas have darker skin than their counterparts living outside. This special adaptation may reduce the negative effects of radiation exposure by providing darker frogs with higher amounts of melanin.
Although the results of the study do not explain why dogs in Chernobyl are genetically different from their counterparts in other, less radioactive parts of the world, radiation could impact animal populations in many ways. way.
A 2020 study revealed that radiation can cause mutations, contributing to genetic variation from parent to child. Individuals that are unable to withstand the effects of radiation exposure will gradually die off, leaving behind populations that are better adapted to their new surroundings.
In 2022, researchers measured genetic diversity in water fleas living in lakes in the Chernobyl region and found higher genetic radiodiversity in lakes with higher levels of radiation. At least in this case, mutation is the fundamental evolutionary force affecting the flea’s genes. However, the study does not provide direct evidence that mutations are the dominant factor in evolution, and it is unclear whether the same thing happens in local dog populations. Genetic changes observed in dogs at Chernobyl demonstrate how rapid evolution can occur in populations affected by environmental change.