For a great many years evolution was conceived as being driven externally by environmental pressures and internally by mutations in DNA. Mutations in the DNA created genetic diversity and when there were changes in the environment, those animals with the mutated DNA were sudden in a more favorable position.

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Certain inherited DNA mutations might play a role, as well as chemicals in our environment or diet.

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Researchers analyzed water samples for DNA fragments released to the environment, called eDNA. They found silver carp eDNA in Iowa, where the fish are abundant, but none near St.

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For example, work in the field of epigenetics demonstrates that environment can have a profound influence on how DNA impacts biology.

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