Predictions on the "when" and "how" of our next evolutionary stage?

Question

Is it possible for us to estimate the time of our next evolutionary upgrade?

Would it occur at birth (like most of the X-men mutants), or would our bodies and/or minds suddenly go under drastic, phenomenal changes? Would those changes happen to every human at once, or would they be more likely to happen to certain individuals?

Can we predict what kind of changes might happen to us? Have we discovered an evolutionary pattern or something that could give us an idea what changes might be to our species? -- such as perception, fears, etc. of the subconscience or major events of the stimuli?

Also, what would happen to the rest of the species on the planet; do they have their own evolutionary cycle. If so, how have they evolved (if there are any periods recent enough)?

Where are we at?

Answer 1

good questions... I don't know how to answer. I would suggest that we'd have a blend of a Darwinian model with something that's more representative of what's goin on now. It's still going to be 'survival of the fittest'.
However, I think humans will not just have physical upgrades (such as stronger lungs and/or digestive systems to handle all the pollution people are surrounded by), but they'll also have some upgrades that are more innate, such as brain power to endure pain and challenges in a more complex world.

Human attributes that might shed off over time because of low-use is our little toe because we all wear shoes/sandals. Also, it'd be scary if part of brains will expand or shrink depending on usage.

Our bodies are very adaptable to the environment will live in and really strikes a tone about the saying "use it or lose it".

I hope we're intelligent enough to realize that we need to keep the human gene people well diversified.

We'll see...

Answer 2

Evolution is not directional -changes occur randomly in individuals, so a sudden change in the human genome or human traits is not likely to occur from natural evolution. Periods of rapid evolutionary change have occurred in the past, but those periods started with massive species die-offs. There's no way to know who will win or lose at this game in the future.

Answer 3

I predict that the next evolutionary upgrade will occur as a result of genetic engineering "gene therapy."
It will be to replace the defective "sickle cell anemia" gene.

> something that could give us an idea what changes might be to our species?
To see what we'll be like in the future, look at who's reproducing today, and who isn't. Recently, women with careers have fewer children than those who don't. You might predict that a change in our species would be to have women who are less intelligent. Rather an unsettling thought.

Answer 4

Ok, people need to stop getting their knowledge about evolution from tv shows and comic books. I'm sorry, I don't really know where to begin to correct you. Try doing a little more research about what evolution really is from more reputable resources. Try "Life Evolving" by the Nobel prize winning scientist Christian De Duve. In the last few chapters he discusses human evolution. It is a very interesting read.