- #1
chief
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Are homo-sapiens as a species still evolving? If so, in what manner? What is the method of selection? Has the development of civilization slowed down the rate of evolution by providing medicine for the sick and food and shelter for the less “able?”
Assuming that our species can survive, what will our ancestors be like a thousand years from now? A million years from now? A billion years from now? What is the ultimate “goal” of evolution? Obviously the immediate goal is to become more efficient at survival, but is there something more than that? Is there some ultimate “target” that we are evolving towards?
My opinion:
I do believe we are still evolving. I think it would be pretty arrogant of us to claim that we (in our current forms) are the pinnacle of the evolution of life. However, I also believe that evolution has slowed down as civilizations have progressed. Civilized countries all over the world provide food, shelter, medicine, and protection for all of their citizens no matter how “weak” they may be. In effect, it has become easier to survive and pass on your genes whether they are good or bad. This, combined with a population that is growing exponentially almost makes me think that evolution has been completely neutralized. However, given the enormous timescales that evolution works over, I think even small “advantages” will continue to spread through the population albeit at a much smaller rate than they have in the past. Most of the changes I could foresee occurring in our ancestors are brain related (intelligence mainly) because physical strength is no longer a priority for survival in the current world. As far as the last questions I pose about the “goal” of evolution, I have no idea but I am anxious to hear others’ thoughts on this.
chief
Assuming that our species can survive, what will our ancestors be like a thousand years from now? A million years from now? A billion years from now? What is the ultimate “goal” of evolution? Obviously the immediate goal is to become more efficient at survival, but is there something more than that? Is there some ultimate “target” that we are evolving towards?
My opinion:
I do believe we are still evolving. I think it would be pretty arrogant of us to claim that we (in our current forms) are the pinnacle of the evolution of life. However, I also believe that evolution has slowed down as civilizations have progressed. Civilized countries all over the world provide food, shelter, medicine, and protection for all of their citizens no matter how “weak” they may be. In effect, it has become easier to survive and pass on your genes whether they are good or bad. This, combined with a population that is growing exponentially almost makes me think that evolution has been completely neutralized. However, given the enormous timescales that evolution works over, I think even small “advantages” will continue to spread through the population albeit at a much smaller rate than they have in the past. Most of the changes I could foresee occurring in our ancestors are brain related (intelligence mainly) because physical strength is no longer a priority for survival in the current world. As far as the last questions I pose about the “goal” of evolution, I have no idea but I am anxious to hear others’ thoughts on this.
chief