Are the dogs in Chernobyl undergoing evolution right before our eyes? This question has been posed by some researchers in recent studies that have been monitoring the wild animals inhabiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ).
Since the Chernobyl disaster in the 1980s, scientists have been closely observing the CEZ. The aim was to investigate how the wildlife in the area adjusted to the heightened radiation levels, and thus far, these studies have yielded some fascinating results.
For example, a study released in 2016 discovered that Eastern tree frogs, which are usually green, had actually turned darker in the CEZ, seemingly adapting to their surroundings. Such findings, along with other observations, prompted scientists to contemplate the situation of the dogs in Chernobyl.
Now, a recent study published in PLOS One indicates that there are changes occurring in the wild dog population within the CEZ. The research team analyzed the genomes of dogs located 10 miles from the CEZ in comparison to dogs from various regions in Russia, Poland, and other neighboring countries.
The results revealed that the Chernobyl dogs did not show any significant mutations that were absent in dogs found outside the CEZ. This is noteworthy, as although these dogs are not the same as those present during the 1986 Chernobyl Meltdown, they would still be expected to exhibit signs of mutations necessary for survival, even though they are 30 generations removed.
However, they do not. This brings up questions regarding how they might be different from dogs in other areas. While the research does not yet provide a definitive conclusion, it will serve as a basis for further exploration into our comprehension of life in radioactive environments, particularly in light of previous studies suggesting the contrary.
Given that there are numerous radioactive sites around the globe, understanding these changes could enhance our insight into the consequences of radiation on our planet and the creatures we coexist with.
