r/askscience•
[deleted]

Why did only vertebrates evolve an adaptive immune system?

Just wondering. I haven't gotten a good answer out of text books or google. From what I hear, it is because the adaptive system fights off viruses much better than the innate system, and this aids those with an adaptive system, but it seems like plenty of invertebrates have run ins with viruses. Is there some sort of other defense they have?

Posted Dec 29, 2011, 2:30 AM UTC

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