Part 3/7:
Research revealed that within merely 15 generations, wolves in Chernobyl were showing genetic changes. These changes activated dormant DNA repair mechanisms, enabling them to survive under six times the legal safety limit of radiation. Interestingly, abandoned pets that once inhabited the region also exhibited this adaptive resilience, with unique genetic markers suggesting the emergence of a new canine species.
Adaptive Mechanisms in Nature
Various species responded to radiation exposure with innovative adaptations. The study of tree frogs revealed that their skin shifted from green to black, a change that meant increased protection from radiation. Similarly, birds in Chernobyl displayed darker feathers, contributing to their survivability in a hazardous environment.