Comments by "Angry Kittens" (@AngryKittens) on "Zombie Parasites | Nat Geo Live" video.
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@Shaydo. So god only makes complexity? We humans are perfectly capable of making complex molecules, including polymers (of which DNA is an example), does that make us gods then? I won't even bother tackling the perennial misconception that evolution = mutation, because that wasn't the question that I asked. But speaking of complexity....
Let me tell you about complexity. The DNA of wasps in the families Ichneuomonidae and Brachoniidae contain an assimilated virus. It is embedded directly on their DNA so the viral code is passed on every time a cell divides, including sexual reproduction.
Actual free viruses are also translated and produced in the wasps' ovaries, thus coating their eggs with them. These are used in place of venom as a biological weapon of sorts. The wasps lay those eggs in living caterpillars. The virus coating suppresses the immune systems of the host, preventing them from attacking the wasp eggs. The eggs hatch and they will then proceed to eat the caterpillar inside out.... ALIVE.
Viruses or fragments of viruses embedded in DNA isn't unique to wasps either. They're known as endogenous viral elements (EVEs). They are abundant in all organisms capable of being infected by viruses, and can be passed on through so many generations that the original infected organism might not even be the same species as the current carrier, having first infected the host's ancestors millions of years ago. And yes it includes humans. An estimated 5 to 8% of the human genome itself is composed of these "fossil viruses" (called human endogenous retroviruses or HERVs). While most of them are deactivated and damaged (which is why they got trapped in the DNA in the first place), it is believed that some are still capable of reactivation and are responsible for certain human autoimmune diseases.
Oh and one of the most complex non-biopolymer organic compound ever found is maitotoxin. It is produced by dinoflagellates (the same microorganisms that cause red tide) and commonly accumulates in the body tissues of food fish (primarily tropical reef fish) and other seafood. Along with a cocktail of other compounds also produced by dinoflagellates, it is highly toxic and causes a condition known as ciguatera, which can kill or permanently disable mammals.
The point being, if your "complexity god" exists, then the "most logical solution", as you put it, is that it's a sadistic bastard.
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