Virus evolution is the study of how viruses change over time and adapt to new environments. This field of research focuses on understanding the genetic diversity, mechanisms of evolution, and factors influencing the evolution of viruses. By studying virus evolution, researchers aim to predict and control the emergence of new viral strains, improve the development of vaccines and antiviral treatments, and ultimately reduce the impact of viral diseases on human and animal health. This research area is interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from virology, genomics, evolutionary biology, and computational biology.