Viral evolution is the study of how viruses change and adapt over time. Viruses are constantly mutating and evolving, allowing them to become more infectious, resistant to treatment, or able to infect new hosts. Understanding viral evolution is important for developing effective strategies for controlling and treating viral infections, such as developing vaccines and antiviral drugs. Researchers study viral evolution by analyzing genetic sequences of viruses, studying how viruses interact with their hosts, and investigating how viruses spread and evolve in populations. This field of research is crucial for predicting and responding to new viral threats, such as emerging diseases or drug-resistant viruses.