Is it possible that we as a species have reached a point in our development where evolution can be manipulated

Question

We, being cognoscente of the process are in a way capable of manipulating the outcomes are we not? Beyond that, we are capable of changing our environments to suit our needs. Is it possible we have reached our evolution capacity?

Answer 1

Yes, certainly. That's why genetic diseases are so commonplace. If natural selection were operating unimpeded, those born with potentially lethal genetic conditions would simply die young and never pass on the genes. But using the current degree of medical knowledge we have, can correct many problems that would otherwise be lethal. In so doing we prevent natural selection from acting freely, and thereby manipulate evolution. In a sense one might say this is to the detriment of the population as a whole, but to the advantage of the individual, upon whom we as compassionate beings place great value. However, this outlook is precisely the opposite emphasis from the blind operation of natural selection which always seeks to benefit the species by sacrificing those individuals with detrimental genes.

Answer 2

I always find it interesting how people misunderstand evolution. We are not 'evolving' to get special powers - evolution does not work like that. If, by chance, someone was to be born with the genes for special powers, and used these to reproduce prolifically, then I suppose that would place more empowered children in the next generation - but evolution takes a long time and there is no telling how it would end up. (After all, super heroes are usually single, and don't reproduce at all.

The other laughable conclusion is that humans are now 'beyond' evolution. This again is impossible, because natural selection is always at work.

Now I get to the disturbing part. Evolution doesn't neccessarily lead to greater intelligence or strength. In fact, when you consider our current society - Most intellectual people are pursuing higher education leading to lower reproduction rates. They are also having children later, which leads to more birth defects.

The uneducated, however, are reproducing more prolifically than ever. Furthermore, intellects are hooking up together, and the uneducated are sticking together creating a social divide, which through reproduction over many generations could lead to a smaller, more distinct 'intellectual' class, versus the much larger uneducated class resulting in a class system based not on nobility or family wealth but on intellect (although a strong intellect usually leads one to aquire more wealth, so the end result will be the same).

Basically as we move toward equal opportunity the upper class no longer maintains its hold on education and people become judged on intellectual merits alone. This sounds great, but in the end, these intellectuals are breeding less, and those brainy genes are not being recycled into the gene pool.

Answer 3

I would say evolution can be manipulated. We are very close to having genetics allow us to pick out certain traits for when we have children. This would definitely influence evolution. But we haven't reached our evolution capacity. Evolution is always taking place. Humans have set up an environment which has very little influence on reproduction and survival, but it will still have some small influences.

Answer 4

that is a good questions i have often wondered that my self. I think that the human race as a whole has come to the end of its cycle and it will be time for a major change to start happening either by science or evolution. smarter, stronger, faster, maybe even mental powers of extra sight or telapathinc abilities, we hear about those all the time in the news. its happening but slowly our race it evolving. as the enviroment changes i think that we will evolove to mach the new times.

Ray B: i think what you started is very true, A++ best answer right there.

Answer 5

We have not reached evolutionary capacity, because evolution is not always about environment but because of attractions between people, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder mutations will be thought of by people as good or bad depending on who you are attracted to, for example people were considered wealthy if they were fat at one point in history, but now it doesnt mean that at all, but just like my previous point, there are some people that consider overweight people just as beautiful, which is nice because it creates a good diversity of life.

Answer 6

not necessarily no. as u know from the other answers, there is still possibility. but not necesarilly would we develop downwards. more like, we will change things to suit us, and eventually adapt to that changed stuation

Answer 7

I think not