A recent study conducted by an international team of researchers has revealed a surprising discovery: some genes have been ‘stolen’ from their hosts and are actually contributing to a parasitic behavior within them. The team found that the stolen genes, known as ‘mobile genetic elements’, are actually driving the evolution of some species by allowing them to borrow traits from other species and adapt to their environment more quickly. These genes are enabling the species to survive in their environment, and the researchers believe that this phenomenon could be seen in many more species in the future.

Read Full Article Here

source: Phys.org