Summary
High mutation rates and reassortment allow viruses like influenza to evolve and jump species.
In depth
RNA viruses mutate at about 10^-4 to 10^-6 per base due to error-prone polymerases without proofreading (except coronaviruses). Recombination and reassortment add variation. Selection favours transmissibility and immune escape.
Selection pressures include host immunity, antivirals and vaccines. Recombination can create new variants quickly. Phylogenetics tracks spread of lineages.
Example: genomic surveillance detected Omicron early.
Frequently asked questions
What is Virus Evolution?
High mutation rates and reassortment allow viruses like influenza to evolve and jump species.
Which area of biology covers Virus Evolution, and how advanced is it?
Virus Evolution is one of the 52 topics in Immunology & Disease. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Zoonotic Spillover, Antigenic Variation, Epidemic and Pandemic.
Can you give an example of Virus Evolution?
SARS-CoV-2 variants such as Delta and Omicron.
What should I learn before Virus Evolution?
Work through the Beginner topics in Immunology & Disease first, such as Immune System, Viruses, Innate Immunity, then return to Virus Evolution. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Virus Evolution?
The closest topics to Virus Evolution are Zoonotic Spillover, Antigenic Variation, Epidemic and Pandemic, Herd Immunity. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Virus Evolution?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Virus Evolution. To practise the whole of Immunology & Disease, use the Immunology & Disease quiz.
How is Virus Evolution different from Zoonotic Spillover?
Virus Evolution: High mutation rates and reassortment allow viruses like influenza to evolve and jump species. Zoonotic Spillover: Pathogens jump from animals to humans, as with coronaviruses, Ebola and avian influenza. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Virus Evolution step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Zoonotic Spillover and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Immunology & Disease quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.