Theoretical interpretation of ecological observations of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: application of the Whack-A-Mole (WAM) model

The WAM model characterizes the dynamics of mutation frequency under chronic exposure and provides a mechanistic interpretation compatible with the absence of population-level health effects observed in the CEZ. Observed molecular responses, including endogenous retrovirus (ERV) activation and immune alterations, represent functioning repair and removal mechanisms rather than pathological damage.