The Dogs of Chernobyl are Experiencing Rapid Evolution, Studies Suggests

Question

An article from Popular Mechanics, written by Darren Orf, describes how scientists have studied animals living near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and have found that increased levels of radiation affect their health, growth, and evolution. These scientists are looking at how decades of radiation exposure may have altered the animals' genomes and has a possibility of speeding up evolution. While this seems to be a well-researched topic, there is no affirmative answer to this claim. 

Answer 1

According to studies, long-term radiation exposure in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has resulted in genetic changes in local animals. However, the studies on Chernobyl's dogs reveal chromosomal changes but do not clearly link them to adaptive evolution, as further research is needed to corroborate these findings.​

Comments

What studies are you refencing that points to how rapid evolution of the dogs is different than adaptive evolution?

Answer 2

After reviewing the article, I found the claim somewhat misleading. While the information presented seems accurate, the claim is not supported. The information provided proves that dogs' genes have been mutated and changed in Chernobyl, but the real cause is unknown and could be influenced by factors such as inbreeding. None of the information in the supporting article points to rapid evolution. 

https://www.iflscience.com/why-are-the-dogs-of-chernobyl-undergoing-rapid-evolution-77028