Islamabad, Dec 10: Packs of wild dogs inhabiting the area around Chernobyl, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, may have undergone rapid evolution to adapt to their unique environment. A study of approximately 500 dogs in the Chernobyl region suggests that multi-generational radiation exposure could have driven genomic changes.
These free-breeding dogs are believed to descend from pets abandoned during the mass evacuation following the 1986 nuclear meltdown. Despite their growing population, their survival and adaptation remain enigmatic, as noted in a 2023 study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics.
The research highlights two distinct groups of dogs: one living near the nuclear power plant and the other within the city of Chernobyl. Despite being separated by only 16 kilometers, these groups show minimal interbreeding.
Genetic analysis revealed 52 genes potentially linked to long-term radiation exposure, suggesting these populations may have adapted over generations. Researchers believe these adaptations could provide insights into survival mechanisms under extreme environmental conditions.
