Why can animals survive in Chernobyl?

Hello! As time went by, radioactivity levels decreased in the area and the animal populations have been recovering from acute radiation effects. Some of the populations have grown because individuals reproduced or because animals migrated from less affected areas or places far from the accident zone.

What do we know about the Chernobyl animal mutations?

The types of isotopes around Chernobyl change over time as elements undergo radioactive decay. Cesium-137 and iodine-131 are isotopes that accumulate in the food chain and produce most of the radiation exposure to people and animals in the affected zone. This eight-legged foal is an example of a Chernobyl animal mutation.

How does Chernobyl affect animals?

Animals living in contaminated areas in and around Chernobyl have suffered from a variety of side effects caused by radiation. Oxidative stress and low levels of antioxidants have had severe consequences on the development of the nervous system, including reduced brain size and impaired cognitive abilities.

What are the mutations of Chernobyl?

Chernobyl animals mutations. In the case of Chernobyl mutations in children and adults, mutations occurred because of exposure to radiation and other harmful materials from the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant disaster. DNA can be broken down because of these environmental factors.