virus become stronger with evolution, or will it become weaker and weaker?
Regarding the evolution of viruses, there have always been two voices. Some people think that the toxicity of viruses will become weaker and weaker as they evolve. Others think that the mutations of viruses are random, and it is very likely that more toxic viruses will evolve!
Next, we might as well use the knowledge we know to conduct a deduction, open the window paper blocking our eyes, and see which answer is closer to the truth!
First of all, how does evolution happen!
There are two different views on evolution, one is Lamarck's evolution theory , and the other is Darwin's theory of evolution. These two evolutionary theories have completely different explanations of evolution. Our judgment on the results of virus evolution depends entirely on which evolution theory you believe in more.
Lamarck:
First of all, the focus of Lamarck's evolutionary theory is "use it or lose it" and "acquired inheritance". Let me understand it. " If you often use your hands, your hands will become more and more flexible, and your descendants will inherit your genes and their hands will become more and more flexible. " In fact, I personally think that the example of the two hands I explained is quite absurd, so I prefer Darwin's theory of evolution.
Darwin:
I studied Darwin’s theory of evolution when I was in school, and the sentence that sticks in my mind now is “natural selection, survival of the fittest”. In other words, individuals that are not suitable for survival will be eliminated, and only the mutations that are suitable for survival can continue to survive and reproduce.
So in Darwin's theory of evolution, there are two most important core points. The first one is "mutation", and the second one is "evolution".
Although Darwin was not able to explain why mutations occur, this does not prevent the real existence of "mutation". Darwin's point of view, summarized in one sentence, is "The premise of evolution is mutation. Mutations are random. Mutated offspring that are beneficial to one's survival will reproduce, and mutations that are not beneficial to one's survival will gradually die out."
So much has been said above. Just use a simple example to verify which of the two views is closer to the truth, such as the evolution of giraffes.
Lamarck: "The leaves grow taller. In order to eat the leaves, the giraffes can only stretch their necks as hard as they can. The longer the necks get, the longer the necks of their offspring get."
Darwin: "The offspring of giraffes have differences due to genetic mutations. Some have long necks and some have short necks. Those with long necks survived, while those with short necks starved to death. Only the genes of long-necked giraffes can be continued."
Lamarck: Long neck is the reason for survival
Darwin: Long neck is the result of survival
Well, having said so much, which statement do you prefer? If you still don't know which statement you prefer, let's try it out with the debut question and see which one you choose.
If on an island, the beak of woodpecker is only 3 cm long, but the most insects are usually 4 cm long. After this woodpecker breeds, the offspring will compare with the parents:
A The beak is longer
B The beak is shorter
C The beak may be longer, it may be shorter, or it may be the same.
Choosing A means agreeing with Lamarck. If you choose C, you agree with Darwin.
Now that we understand evolution, let’s return to viruses.
Is the mutation of the virus caused by evolution for survival, or is it the result of genetic mutation?
Through the above explanation, if you agree with Lamarck's statement, you will definitely think that in order to spread, the virus will gradually evolve in the direction of becoming more and more transmissible and less toxic. If you are a reader with this view, you don’t need to read the following content , because the virus is getting weaker and weaker, and there is nothing to worry about.
If you agree with Darwin's point of view, you will face more complex problems. The following content may make you feel worried, so please read selectively and with caution.
Darwin believed that mutations have no direction, so for viruses, mutations also have no direction. They may become weaker or stronger, but those with strong transmissibility and weak toxicity may obtain better living space, while those virus variants with poor transmissibility and high toxicity are particularly easy to be targeted and strictly guarded against, which is not conducive to obtaining living space.
Just like when the Wuhan epidemic first broke out, the seriousness rate of the virus was high. Our country blocked the spread of the virus through strict prevention and control, and achieved a dynamic elimination of the virus in the country in three years.
It was not until the emergence of the , Omicron, and variant, which is highly transmissible, that everyone believed it had low toxicity and a low serious illness rate, and even believed that more than 90% of cases were asymptomatic, that the virus gained a large-scale living space in China.
Therefore, the editor believes that the reason why the relatively low-toxic strain of Omicron is popular in our country is not the result of virus evolution, but the artificial selection of species! Among so many variants, we have artificially given space for the less virulent strain to survive because we think it is less virulent.
But, what I am talking about here is but.
The premise that we give Omicron living space is that its toxicity becomes weaker, but the virus has not signed an agreement with humans to ensure that it will no longer mutate into more virulent variants. This is like a ferocious thug, because after becoming docile, you let him live in your home.
At this time, there will be two voices in the family. Some people say: "You see he has changed his evil ways now, so there is no need to be afraid." Another part of the people are worried about "Whether he will one day return to his true nature, even more vicious than before."
At this time, what should this family do?
There are probably three methods:
The first method is to turn your back and deny it, and drive him out immediately to avoid future troubles. But it is easy to invite God but difficult to give away. Often, this kind of people are more difficult to deal with. What's more, there are still some people in the family who will prevent you from evicting the person because of their kindness or for some reasons. This is a problem faced by this method, because when the person comes, he will waste you at the door every day. You have no choice but to agree to let him in. Can you ask him to leave without paying a price?
The second method is to accept him for the time being, assuming that he has completely improved, but just in case, strengthen supervision and make plans. Install cameras at home and strengthen supervision. Once you find something wrong, take measures quickly and ask him out at any cost. During this period, family members should exercise, strengthen their physique, formulate plans, and conduct drills. Don't be afraid of ten thousand, just be afraid of the unexpected.
The third method is to accept the status quo and then confuse myself. As long as I am not afraid, there is no danger. Now that has come in, just let nature take its course and hope that the gangster will never get bad again in his life, so that everything will be fine. Just in case something happens one day, he will act on his own initiative.
In fact, the third situation is not the most terrifying. The most terrifying thing is that some people in the family have already found a way out for themselves. They ask people to come in and say all kinds of good things to them, and they secretly find a place to live outside. When they see that the situation is not good, he turns around and runs away. He doesn’t care what the rest of the family does, because he already has a second home.
I have written so much. Some people may think that I am talking nonsense, and that’s okay! If you don't predict everything, it will be ruined. Some people will definitely say, you have written so much, will the virus become more virulent? Well, it depends on whether you believe in Lamarck or Darwin. Although there is only one truth, the truth is in everyone's heart and is different. This is the wonder of the world.
Text: Mr. Wang
