I’ve always wondered if cells created viruses, or if viruses are a natural consequence of complex genetics. They look so useless, having no need to reproduce, yet killing cells to do it uncontrollably. They don’t even feed, what is their purpose?
Things don’t actually have purposes. That’s a human invention. (Adaptations can improve the chances of spreading, so we say “it does this” or “it’s for that”, but it’s not intentional on the part of the genes, proteins, etc.)
Anyway, about your first question, it seems there are three main ideas about how viruses originate.
I’ve always wondered if cells created viruses, or if viruses are a natural consequence of complex genetics. They look so useless, having no need to reproduce, yet killing cells to do it uncontrollably. They don’t even feed, what is their purpose?
Things don’t actually have purposes. That’s a human invention. (Adaptations can improve the chances of spreading, so we say “it does this” or “it’s for that”, but it’s not intentional on the part of the genes, proteins, etc.)
Anyway, about your first question, it seems there are three main ideas about how viruses originate.
That was a fun read, thanks!
Their purpose, like all life(?), is to reproduce.