The DNA Behind Survival: How Evolution Programs DNA Resilience
- Kayley Seedath
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
By: Kayley Seedath Edited by: Analia A.
Brampton, ON
Introduction:
As seen through the ability of peppered moths to change colour to camouflage effectively, and how humans have changed over the last 5 centuries, evolution is all around us. Beneath the surface of every layer of fur, scale, and feather lies a hidden blueprint which is known as deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly known as DNA, the molecular script that allows life to adapt, evolve, and ultimately, survive.
Evolution isn’t just a theory confined to textbooks; it's an ongoing process written in the language of genes. Through natural selection, organisms with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive longer and reproduce more, passing those advantageous traits on to the next generation. Additionally, genetic diversity is essential for species survival and adaptation, contributing to the overall health and resilience of ecosystems. Through DNA evolution of certain genes / how certain alleles are expressed.
Why is Evolution important?
One of the clearest examples of evolution in action is the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These microbes mutate quickly, and under the selective pressure of antibiotics, only the resistant strains survive. Within just a few generations, an entire population can shift, demonstrating evolution on a human timescale. This phenomenon highlights a critical truth: survival depends on adaptability, and adaptability often starts with a random but beneficial change in DNA.
How does DNA build Resistance to Certain Alleles being Expressed?
Some examples of genetic adaptations in animals include: Tardigrades, also known as water bears, have a unique protein in their DNA that protects them from dehydration and radiation. This tiny creature can survive boiling, freezing, even space travel—thanks to its molecular defense system. Additionally, humans being able to live at higher altitudes is a great example of genetic adaptation. Tibetans have evolved a gene variant (EPAS1) that helps their blood carry oxygen more efficiently in thin air. This adaptation likely arose thousands of years ago and is now a key part of their survival toolkit.
While our genes provide the blueprint, the environment can influence how those instructions are carried out. This is where epigenetics comes in—a field that studies how gene expression can change without altering the DNA itself. For example, plants exposed to drought can "prime" their offspring to better handle dry conditions, passing on temporary advantages. In some cases, these changes may become hardwired over time, contributing to long-term evolutionary shifts.
Conclusion:
Seeing the effects of how allele expression can change in response to their environments is fascinating. It goes to show how animals and humans need to adapt to survive and not go extinct. Through Darwin’s theories, we can prove theories of adaptation, and through further education about this topic, we can learn how the ones before us survived.
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