The Pandemic That Lasted 15 Million Years

The video explores the discovery of an ancient virus, ERVFC, embedded in the genomes of modern mammals. This virus, part of a pandemic lasting millions of years, left a significant mark on mammalian DNA. The video explains how endogenous retroviruses like ERVFC integrate into host genomes and are passed down through generations. It discusses the discovery of ERVFC in various species, its independent infection events, and its potential impact, including oncogenesis. The video highlights the importance of understanding viral fossils to predict future viral behaviors.

What does the presence of ERVFC in the genomes of various mammals suggest about the virus's transmission?

How does viral recombination contribute to the ability of viruses to jump between species?

What potential health issues could have been caused by the ERVFC virus based on its classification?