Does Human DNA Evolve Towards Superhuman Traits?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the evolution of human DNA and the potential for acquiring traits considered "superhuman," such as enhanced strength, intelligence, and adaptability. Participants highlight that humans have evolved traits like lactase persistence, which allows adults to digest dairy, as an example of beneficial genetic adaptation. The conversation also raises questions about the limits of DNA evolution, including the possibility of more complex structures beyond the double helix and the implications of gaining new traits on existing genetic material.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic evolutionary biology concepts
  • Familiarity with genetic traits and their inheritance
  • Knowledge of human adaptations, such as lactase persistence
  • Awareness of the structure of DNA, including the double helix
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of genetic mutation and adaptation
  • Explore the concept of lactase persistence and its implications for human evolution
  • Investigate the limits of DNA structure and potential for complexity
  • Study the principles of natural selection and fitness in evolutionary biology
USEFUL FOR

Biologists, geneticists, evolutionary scientists, and anyone interested in the future of human evolution and genetic traits.

YU55
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 

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