That "genome cost" only exists when considering the individual. But for a species, I see it more as a "genome remix" that expands the overall gene pool.
It also serves as a "gene wardrobe" where the species can host a particular gene as a recessive one, that might be harmful for the individual now but can save the species from extinction in the future.
I guess that what I'm getting at with all this rabble, is that succesful evolution caters to the whole species, with little regard for the individual.
Mugut t1_ivf7xry wrote
Reply to comment by Kevin_Uxbridge in We know about viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms evolving to better infect other organisms. Consequently, diseases change too to some extent. Are there any examples of human bodies evolving to fight against these disease causing agents? by ha_ha_ha_ha_hah
That "genome cost" only exists when considering the individual. But for a species, I see it more as a "genome remix" that expands the overall gene pool.
It also serves as a "gene wardrobe" where the species can host a particular gene as a recessive one, that might be harmful for the individual now but can save the species from extinction in the future.
I guess that what I'm getting at with all this rabble, is that succesful evolution caters to the whole species, with little regard for the individual.