All life is subject to evolution in the form of mutations that change the DNA sequence of an organism’s offspring, after which natural selection allows the ‘fittest’ mutants to survive and pass on their genes to future generations. These mutations can generate new abilities in a species, but another common driving force for evolution is horizontal gene transfer (HGT)—the acquisition of DNA from a creature other than a parent, and even of a different species. For example, a significant amount of the human genome is actually viral DNA. Genetic engineering techniques now allow humans to intentionally induce HGT in various species to create ‘designer organisms’ capable of things like renewable chemical production, but it’s often difficult to get foreign DNA working in a new host.
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Source: Phys.org