Research Findings
A study published in by researchers from and found no evidence that radiation-induced mutations caused genetic differences between dog populations near the and those in Chornobyl City.
The researchers analyzed DNA from over 302 dogs, identifying 391 outlier DNA segments. However, they discovered that Chernobyl city dogs were genetically similar to dogs from and , suggesting no radiation-induced genetic changes.
Broader Implications
The study highlights the potential impact of various environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and pesticides, released during the Chernobyl cleanup, on canine populations' evolution.
This research underscores the importance of understanding how large-scale environmental disasters affect wildlife and potentially human health, emphasizing the need for further studies on selective pressures and genetic traits that may confer survival advantages.