The oldest giant viruses have been discovered in Yellowstone springs

As the experts found out, the reproduction of viruses occurred with the participation of red algae. This connection appeared 1.5 billion years ago. Back then, viruses evolved by borrowing genes from each other to adapt to hot weather and poisonous substances like arsenic.

The deoxyribonucleic acid contained 921 candidate genomes, likely passed between hosts. The experiment found confirmation of the presence of viruses in all places where there is cellular life. As experts have established, they arose on Earth at the same time as cellular organisms and contributed to the movement of genes.