The Evolutionary Significance of Fever

Fever has evolved over hundreds of millions of years and is conserved across all vertebrate species, indicating its significant benefits. It emerged after innate immunity but is older than adaptive immunity, suggesting that the advantages of fever surpass its drawbacks. Despite potential risks, such as metabolic costs and increased exposure to predators during the pursuit of warmer environments, fever remains a common physiological response. This evolutionary perspective indicates that fever plays a crucial role in the survival and health of various organisms.