Why did the dogs at Chernobyl undergo such rapid evolution?

The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster not only had serious consequences for the environment and human health, but also became a "natural laboratory" for studying evolution. Animal populations living in and around this area have shown remarkable genetic changes, demonstrating the ability of organisms to adapt to extreme environmental changes.

DNA of dogs in radioactive areas

A recent study analyzed blood samples from dogs living in the Chernobyl power plant area. The results showed that dogs living near the plant had significantly different DNA than those living in less radioactive areas or further away from the affected area.

"We were able to identify the population of dogs living in the shadow of the reactor just by analyzing their DNA profiles," said Elaine Ostrander, a geneticist at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NIH) and author of the study .

Dogs living near the plant had significantly different DNA than those in less radioactive areas.

However, research has not been able to clearly determine how these genetic changes affect their health or biology.

Adaptability of other species

It's not just dogs, other animals in the area have also developed special traits to adapt to the highly radioactive environment. For example, studies of wolves in the area have shown that they have developed protection against cancer.

Meanwhile, some studies of tree frogs at Chernobyl have shown an increase in melanin pigmentation in individuals living in highly radioactive areas. This melanin helps reduce the harmful effects of radiation by protecting skin cells from damage. Darker frogs are more likely to survive, which may lead to the trait becoming more widespread in the population.

Radiation can cause genetic mutations.

Explaining rapid evolution

Scientists have proposed several theories to explain the genetic changes at Chernobyl. A 2020 study suggested that radiation could cause genetic mutations that could be passed down from generation to generation.

Natural selection also plays a role. Individuals that cannot adapt to a high radiation environment tend to be eliminated, leaving a population of healthier, fitter individuals. This can reduce genetic diversity in some cases, but can also lead to stronger adaptive traits.

A 2022 study of water fleas in lakes in the Chernobyl region found higher levels of genetic diversity in areas with high radiation, suggesting that genetic mutations may be a major force driving evolution in some species. However, the researchers stressed that this is only a correlation, not direct evidence.

Genetic mutations may be the major force driving evolution in some species. 

The story of the Chernobyl animal populations shows that evolution need not be a slow process. In extreme environmental conditions, populations can undergo rapid genetic changes to adapt.

Such studies not only help us better understand how organisms respond to disasters, but also provide valuable insights into evolution in the context of environmental change. At the same time, they remind us of the strength and fragility of life on Earth.