Which hypothesis asserts that viruses are remnants of cellular organisms and evolved from small cells that were parasites in larger cells?
A) Escape hypothesis
B) Virus-first hypothesis
C) Regressive hypothesis
D) Progressive hypothesis
E) Degenerative hypothesis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The regressive hypothesis, also known as the reduction or degeneration hypothesis, suggests that viruses may have once been small cells that parasitized larger cells. Over time, these cells lost the genes not required for their parasitic lifestyle, eventually becoming the viruses we see today. This hypothesis asserts that viruses are remnants of more complex organisms that have lost the cellular characteristics they once had.

Which Hypothesis Asserts That Viruses Are Remnants of Cellular Organisms