Human evolution

[Maverick]

There's a list of "requirements" for evolution to occur. Human beings fail almost all of them. You can't have a large population, be spread out across multiple areas, and have lots of genetic diversity and expect any natural evolution to occur. Evolution happens when organisms adapt to their environment...human beings adapt their environment to suit their own needs. hence we really can't evolve in the normal way.

The only thing you can say for sure is that as long as alcohol consumption continues ugly people will continue to mate and the human race won't get any prettier.

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: ClueLis
I think you're assuming too much separation. I honestly don't think that intelligence is enough of a consistent attribute for that to occur (i.e. smart people don't always have smart kids). My personal guess is that intelligence relies on a combination of upbringing and many genetic factors.

Also, if there was a single "smartness" gene, we would be genetically engineering almost all children to have it within a couple hundred years, IMO.

not always obvious either, look at the life of einstein. not always child prodigys from the start, his college professors didn't think much of him.

 

[OulOat]

We'll be dead within 100.

 

[SackOfAllTrades]

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: hjo3
I don't think intelligence is as hereditary as you think it is. I think it primarily comes from how one is raised.

Of course intelligence is hereditary. What do you think seperates us from monkeys and pigs?

chromosomes?

 

[BatmanNate]

Many of the factors that influenced selection and hence evolution have been removed from everyday life by technology, medicine, and society. Common sense dictates that if the motivator for evolution is removed it is more likely than not that it will slow if not cease for our species baring any unforseen changes in the environment or our society. Our traits that further our success in this society don't necessarily further our chances of mating persay, so I don't see those as becoming hereditary. Perhaps in 3rd world countries evolution will continue at a lesser pace to adapt to climate changes or other global chemical or environmental concerns as time goes on assuming that we are all still here. It's really impossible to prove one way or the other even with a great deal of study as it is concerned with such a macro time period.

 

[Cyberian]

Originally posted by: Shiva112

The only thing you can say for sure is that as long as alcohol consumption continues ugly people will continue to mate and the human race won't get any prettier.

Probably the most profound realization of this whole discussion.

 

Originally posted by: Cyberian

Originally posted by: Shiva112

The only thing you can say for sure is that as long as alcohol consumption continues ugly people will continue to mate and the human race won't get any prettier.

Probably the most profound realization of this whole discussion.

By letting out the secret, You've just ruined my life and the lives of all the ugly people in the world. But then again, pretty girls are too stupid to understand anyway so we're still going to get our share of sex. AND LADIES, DRINKING IS COOL!!! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! w00t!

 

[Slammy1]

I have to agree, evolution won't proceed in the same way it has previously. The reason for the extreme success in the development of brain over reflex is obvious, the ability to adapt rapidly. Genetic selection & engineering, cyber enhancements; it only touches on the possibilities which shoud be quite different than we imagine. Unfortunately, I do not foresee any of us will survive to the period of forced mating by smart people, but I still hold out hope...