Evolution, if possible any further
Evolution as we have known, is a product of natural selection and genetic mutation. The fitter species survives , morphological changes happen by reproductive isolation, propagates the likes of its own. From aquatic environment to the land, gills became lungs. For the need of working with and tools, paws became hands with opposable thumb. For the need of having the hands free for holding weapon and hunting, the posture became erect. Cranial capacity increased with more use of intellect . There was a necessity of improvement at every step. At this stage, is it possible to evolve further?
Mental evolution is obviously constant, as we read , we improve our thought process through constant intellectual stimulation. I am specifically talking about the evolution in its traditional conservative form, evolution of Homo sapiens into a next, more evolved species.
As I have gathered, there are various predictions, hypothesising the ultimate fate of Homo sapiens.
Some scientists argue , we are the ultimate stage of evolution timeline, and finest product of 3 billion years of change. In support of this, it’s claimed that since its the nature that drove evolution, now with the technology we are in fact challenging nature , biology as well as physics. Artificially manufacturing goods, IVF and gravity defying gadgets to name a few. So we are hardly in need to adapt our morphology for our needs. It’s also said, we have too much genetic inertia to change, and also primary need of evolution is a small isolated group. We are too many, too diverse and so many races and kind that it might be absolutely impossible to have a constant genetic mutation. Interbreeding between races ensures this won’t happen.
There is a theory, if evolution has to happen, it will be a painfully slow process and also human race is not actually likely to survive that time period. Coupled with the present environmental situation, the mutations more often lead to cancers, genetic diseases and development of deadly viruses ,like HIV,etc.
Neanderthals and Homo sapiens differ by less than 0.004% in their gene arrangement but its difficult to bring a constant mutation in such a varied society.
Certain genome studies shows evidences of constant evolution in plants. A model , called universal pacemaker of genome evolution explains that the rate of evolution changes synchronously across genome wide sets of genes in all evolving lineages. However, this could be a simple consequence of molecular clock. That could have actually been active during entire process of evolution and could have been one of the reasons.
We could be the best ones, we could be the last ones or we could just evolve into cyborgs, we will never know. It’s for our future generations, if any, to enjoy the truth behind this, unless we invent time machines before dying away.
