what's the next step in human evolution?

Answer 1

The question of the next "step" in human evolution is an interesting one. Evolution has always been a struggle of survival; a genetic race (pun intended) to see who can come out on top in species vs species and species vs environment struggles.

Humanity has won that race. With our technology, there is (currently) no other species and no environment that we cannot overcome. Because, as far as I know, this has never happened before, it's hard to tell exactly what will happen next.

I suppose the biggest issue is that technology factor; even should that above declaration of triumph be negated, I've no doubt that our technology would eventually triumph for us again. Note that this, in many ways, destroys any need for humanity to evolve. Therefore, I see two theoretical options:

1) The human race begins to degenerate through stagnation, as mentioned by other posters; or,

2) Advances in genetic technologies and understanding allows the human race to "evolve" cosmetically and aesthetically, keeping our race from stagnation by sheer force of economics and hubris.

Answer 2

If you don't look at the next step as an across the board change (everyone, or the next gen being, or having unique properties), but as a wind blowing across a sand dune, the next step has arrived.
Not completely, just a few grains at a time; but the day after tomorrow, the dune will be over there>>>

Answer 3

If we keep up what we are doing?


Taller and less hair arn't realistic short term evolutionary changes. Realistically, we're going to become racially mixed. Intelligence levels are going to drop due to current breeding trends where the dumbest are reproducing the most. Society will become ever reliant on technology until the point where they are unable to develop it themselves. In this case it will probably be machines doing the thinking.

I can see a future of artificial minds. Brain implants at birth where evolution is artificial and produced through mechanical means. We are 100% reliant on our mechanical world to do everything for us.

Beyond that I think an artificial mind could advance to the point where our level of insight is beyond what the human mind is even capable at it's highest levels of imagining. Maybe we will solve the mysteries of the universe. Maybe society will collapse before this point and never achieve anything truely great.

Only time can tell.

Answer 4

The next step will be the one that is the most successful. There is no plan, nor is there any goal striving.

Given the way we collectively treat each other today, perhaps the next step is into the abyss.

Answer 5

Evolution seems to enjoy adding extra sensory organs to species. If we are to consider humans, it seems like the brain will be expanding soon.

I like to think of the sudden increase in autism (if it is not due to greater sensitivity in detection) as an example.

Best,

dumbdumb

Answer 6

I heard the next specie of humans will be called Homo Furious because of all the pollution we are leaving them with.

Answer 7

Considering the exponential growth rate we are experiencing and the medical advances which allow 'less than ideal' genes to be passed along, I don't really think there will be much more evolution. (Although less hair and fewer fingers or toes seems to be happening slowly. {Our small toes are getting smaller each few generations.})

Answer 8

Widespread intelligence?

Actually, I hope we can develop our minds so that we can be empathic and not need money, property, or prestige in such a way that it spoils our ability as a species to prosper.

Answer 9

getting less hairy, more logical thinking (i hope)

Answer 10

an extra finger.