Does Human DNA Evolve Towards Superhuman Traits?

AI Thread Summary
Human DNA is indeed evolving, with recent examples such as lactase persistence in adults, which allows some populations to digest dairy. This adaptation is seen as a trait that enhances survival and reproduction, contributing to evolutionary fitness. The discussion raises questions about the potential for humans to develop "super human" traits, such as enhanced strength, intelligence, or immune adaptability. However, the concept of rapid evolution is debated, with clarifications needed on what constitutes a rapid rate. The limits of DNA evolution are also questioned, particularly regarding the structural constraints of the double helix and whether new traits lead to the loss of others. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding evolution through credible sources like Wikipedia, while maintaining a focus on scientifically grounded discussions.
YU55
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I was reading articles regarding to the changing of human DNA and how our DNA seems to evolving a rapid rate.

With this I wondered if the human DNA does evolve? and if so would DNA gain traits that we would now consider super human?

Any info in this area would be appreciated.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
I don't know what "super human" means, but yes, we gain new traits. For example, humans recently (westerners, anyway) gained the ability to process dairy products in adulthood. Is that super human?
 
What article are you referring to? What do you mean by rapid rate?

Humans have certainly evolved over our history as a species. Good examples include http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactase_persistence" occur, some of these increase the fitness of an individual (making them better at survival and procreation) and thus get passed down more to the next generation.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Wikipedia is a nice place to begin learning about the basic principles. It covers almost all the important topics needed to understand the concept of evolution and also provides some background information. It might be a bit long for the average layman but reading the page thoroughly gives you a comprehensive idea.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution
 
By super human I mean, unusual strength, physics abilities, extreme IQ's, adaptable immune systems, abilities to cope with extreme temperatures, etc.

Also where is the limits to where a DNA can evolve to. Would it be possible for us to ever have more than a double helix, as we gain new traits surely are chains get longer? What are these chains limits? If we gain a new trait do we lose or make another redundant?

By rapid rate I mean above the average rate..
 
This is a science forum. Overly speculative posts are not allowed.
 
Deadly cattle screwworm parasite found in US patient. What to know. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/08/25/new-world-screwworm-human-case/85813010007/ Exclusive: U.S. confirms nation's first travel-associated human screwworm case connected to Central American outbreak https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-confirms-nations-first-travel-associated-human-screwworm-case-connected-2025-08-25/...
Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S. According to articles in the Los Angeles Times, "Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S.", and "Kissing bugs bring deadly disease to California". LA Times requires a subscription. Related article -...
I am reading Nicholas Wade's book A Troublesome Inheritance. Please let's not make this thread a critique about the merits or demerits of the book. This thread is my attempt to understanding the evidence that Natural Selection in the human genome was recent and regional. On Page 103 of A Troublesome Inheritance, Wade writes the following: "The regional nature of selection was first made evident in a genomewide scan undertaken by Jonathan Pritchard, a population geneticist at the...

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top