Oncogenean

Oncogenean is a term used to describe a period in Earth's history characterized by a significant increase in the number of oncogenes. Oncogenes are genes that have the potential to cause cancer. This period is thought to have occurred during the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods, approximately 150 to 120 million years ago.

The exact cause of the increase in oncogenes during the Oncogenean is not fully understood. However, several theories have been proposed. One theory suggests that increased exposure to radiation from supernovae may have led to an increase in genetic mutations, including those that activate oncogenes. Another theory posits that the evolution of new viruses or pathogens that integrate their genetic material into the host genome could have contributed to the activation of oncogenes.

The Oncogenean period is significant because it may have played a role in the evolution of multicellular life and the development of complex organisms. The increased genetic instability during this time could have provided the raw material for evolutionary innovation, allowing for the emergence of new traits and adaptations. However, it also posed a significant challenge to organisms, as it increased their susceptibility to cancer.

Evidence for the Oncogenean period comes from the fossil record and genetic studies. Paleontological findings suggest a rise in tumor development in ancient organisms. Genetic analysis of modern organisms reveals patterns of oncogene activation that are consistent with a period of increased genetic mutation in Earth's past. Research into the Oncogenean continues to shed light on the complex interplay between genetics, evolution, and disease.