It's obvious we are changing as a species. Do you think we are evolving or do you think we are deteriorating? Are the changes we are experiencing positive, negative, inevitable, a little of all.....
Thoughts? be specific!
2006-09-19 17:22:50 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The 'raw material' of evolution is genetic mutation - Any genetic changes which tend to cause the individuals that bear them to leave more descendants will tend to become widespread in the population. Humans are a unique species in the sense that in many parts of the world we have welfare states which support people regardless of how many children they have. So, although there is still *some* correlation between health and wealth (e.g. infant mortality is still higher in poorer social classes), there is very little selection pressure - i.e. people don't tend to produce more offspring just by virtue of having improved bodies or minds, they have more offspring because they choose to, or because they aren't careful enough with contraception, or some other factors... but the crucial thing is, those offspring have very nearly as much chance of surviving and having their own large families as the children of smaller families. So, those factors which cause people to have large families are likely to prevail in the population. I'll leave it up to you to decide what those factors are likely to be...
2006-09-19 21:35:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The changes we are experiencing are all negative, positive or neutral. THe way we approach it as a species is positive as we change to fit into the new environment. However, the series of steps taken to adjust to the new environment can be seen as negative or positive.
For example: Earth becomes a desert. People that have evolved better water conservation will live. This will continue the human species. However, this will mean people that did not evolve the ability to conserve water will die out, giving room to those that can.
I think it is important to realize that you cannot rashly link cultural events to biological theories or ideas. This is not so much a biology question as a humanities question.
2006-09-20 01:03:10 · answer #2 · answered by leikevy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Based on natural selection, we couldn't deteriorate. The offspring that multiplied and survived best would be the ones that should eventually win out in the competition. If the survivors did not include characteristics that you consider desirable, then maybe in your opinion, there could there be a "deterioration". Nevertheless, the survivors should be more adapted to live in whatever environment is available and therefore evolved.
2006-09-20 00:46:30 · answer #3 · answered by JimZ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An interesting question because a species can never evolve for the future..it is constantly evolving to the past...It can only assume that the trend today will continue...it really can forecast anything....I think we are experiencing some positive growth but are at the same time refusing to let go some of the negatives (ie homophobia,sexism,racism)....I'd guess a little of all...but I'm only guessing....
2006-09-20 01:07:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
We are set as a species. Homo sapiens, is what we are.
However, our cultures are changing on a monumental scale. Freedom of religion is being denied in so many countries. Religious fanaticism will be the cause of our demise.
Honey, the cause of our detioration is open for all to see! It's not genetic, it's cultural.
As a species, we've not evolved much in the last 2000 years. Our cultures have changed, and some of them are changing for the worst.
2006-09-20 00:49:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are evolving for sure. If you are talking about the deterioration of the hair(hair lost), I agree.
By the way, how many wisdom tooth's do you have? I have 2, and some people don't have any at all.
2006-09-20 00:31:43 · answer #6 · answered by Lost. at. Sea. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, we are evolving, and yes we are deteriorating.
In our health, strength and longevity we are evolving, morphing. Our bodies remain the same, genetically, but improved.
Morally, I feel, we have and are deteriorating We have lost our sense of wonder, our sense of caring, our sense of values.
In the overall scheme of things 50 years isn't much. Fifty years ago---there were no gangs(except in isolated places), kids got around by hitchhiking(yeah it was safe-and the parents knew), if a person was broken down by the road--you stopped and helped--no thought- it's just what you did. now--you're afraid to stop, and if you do the person you stopped for is afraid to get out of their car. there were no shooting in school--if two guys had a problem the might get into a fight (girls did not fight)--worst case scenario, a bloody nose. you got into trouble at school(got a spanking-spats-swats, etc.) you prayed your parents did not find out or you were in big trouble.
2006-09-20 00:49:25 · answer #7 · answered by dulcrayon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obvious to who? Deteriorating in what way?
2006-09-20 00:26:53 · answer #8 · answered by October 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who says we are deteriorating? Any measure of evolutionary deterioration is relative.
2006-09-20 00:36:41 · answer #9 · answered by funkyourcouches 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Evolution has no direction.
It is change, there is no up or down.
2006-09-20 00:41:54 · answer #10 · answered by RjKardo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋