When would evolution happen to us?

Question

Does scientiest have any premonition?

Answer 1

Evolution is constantly going on. Each one of us are technically "mutants". Random mutations occur to every individual that is born, though they are slight mutations on their genes. The larger mutations are the ones where there is a defect on the individuals.

The problem with us is, we have slowed down evolution for our species down to a crawl. We do not let nature takes it course because of "human compassion and empathy". Do you know what diseases are for? To limit the population and to allow the strongest specimen to survive and reproduce. The problem is, we are trying to save everyone.

AIDS, malaria, bubonic plague, all catastrophic diseases that kill many many people. Yet, we have/are trying to find cures for them. Why? There are people that have natural resistance for these diseases. Nature did not intend for us to be this many. We, in a sense, became too smart for our own good. There are tons of other animal diseases out there that limit the population of other animals. Its natural.

The human population did not explode until the late 18th century with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Before that time, human population mirrored that of other animals. Periods of incline, then decline, up and down. The Industrial Revolution lead to creations of modern technology and led the way for modern medicine, cultivation of high-yielding crops, and other modern "wonders". We have since then, EXPLODED and have not been brought down since (minor temporary decline during wars)

This is the same principle as to why the other animals have not evolved as much, especially ones in which humans have cultivated. We have destroyed the gene pool. Chickens, cows, turkeys, etc, are bred to a specific standard. We all want our chickens to be the same, cows to taste the same - we dont like variation. Because of this, we have purposefully bred these animals to have certain characteristics. How can we expect them to evolve when we are not allowing natural selection to occur.

This goes with people as well. How can we expect evolution to continue if we keep saving those that nature deemed, weak? I'm not saying we shouldn't save or help others. I'm asking you how can you expect us to evolve on a normal course if we interfere with the process itself. We are still evolving, but on a much slower speed than if we have let natural selection to occur.

Answer 2

Evolution is occurring all the time. People have become taller, shorter, white, black, and are still changing today depending on their geographic region (as well as other pressures). Some evolutionary characteristics are visible (phenotypic) while others occur but cannot be seen (genotypic). If you are truly interested in the process of evolution, termed natural selection, try reading "The Beak of the Finch" by Jonathan Weiner. It explains different types of selection and the results of various pressures from the environment.

Since premonitions are based in the supernatural realm, a good scientist would not venture to make claims based on unsubstantiated evidence. Forecasting based on knowledge however, is scientifically acceptable.

Answer 3

Scientists, by definition, should not rely on premonitions.
Evolutionary changes and direction cannot be estimated. It is a description supplied by hindsight. What ever has not died, was obviously more fit for its environment. Scientists can suggest what environmental pressures might be present which need to be survived, but how this would happen is anyone's guess.
Perhaps resistance to background radiation might be useful. Of the ability to breathe easily in an atmosphere higher in carbon dioxide.
That being said, evolutionary change is something which is always present, but because it happens so slowly, it can't be seen. Humans have not changed much in the last 200,000 years.

Answer 4

Well, this is actually a very interesting answer. Evolution isn't really happening, or will ever happen humans. You see, evolution occurs thus: A mutation occurs when there is a deviation from the standard possible DNA sequences of the specific species. There are random mutations that occur in the gametes (in humans sperm and ovum producing cells) that alter their DNA. These mutations occur often due to errors when copying the DNA during meiosis. Consequently, the gametes produce mutated sex cells that contain mutated DNA, and if they create offspring than the offspring will be mutants. Mutations can be either beneficial(good), benign(neutral,) or malignant(bad.) Beneficial mutations give the owner a better chance of survivng and producing offspring, where they will pass on their mutated gene(s.) Benign mutations might be passed down or they might not, but they have no affect on the probability of being passed down. Malignant mutations hinder the chance of the owner surviving and/or reproducing causing its occurance to lessen.

The reason that evolution is not really happening in humans is due to the fact that we have no beneficial mutations, and very few malignant ones. There is no genetic trait that will increase your chances of surviving or reproducing (no, having a bigger penis does not increase the chance.) Also, modern medicine, science, and society has made mutations that would otherwise be malignant, into benign. I.E. far-sightedness, or nearsightedness, down syndrome, stupidity, and paralysis. With glasses people who would normally die beacuse they could not get food and would get hurt can live. And similarly for the other examples. The only benign mutations would be genetic birth defects that even good medical care can't change, but these defects will occur anyway as they are quite common for mutations.

Because of this, nothing we can genetically pass down can affect our offsprings survival, so unless somehow all modern medicine is destroyed, humans will never evolve.

However, it is not neccesarily a bad thing. One might argue that this is bad for humans, but it obviously isn't because we can survive and reproduce anyway.

Thanks for reading my near-essay, I hope it helps

Edit: Oh and about Whoever's answer, do a little research on Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. Inheritence of Aquired Characteristics, is quite wrong, and has been thouroghly disproven and is not accepted at all by modern scientists.

Answer 5

I don't know what the scientists are rambling about, I lost track of them 10 years ago. As for what I know, evolution has already happened to us. If you need an example, people have become taller over the centuys, people at the beginning of time were actually migit size but migit size was full grown back than. What humans will lock like in the future is kind of a mystery, just sit back, and enjoy what you are now.

Answer 6

We're "evolving" right now. Generations are steadily growing just a little taller than the previous one. Our eyes are becoming smaller to help shield our eyes from so much smog and other air pollutants. Our wisdom teeth usually don't fully develop because they are no longer needed. True blond-haired people are becoming less. These are just a few of the examples of the ongoing process of evolution.

Answer 7

Evolution is a cumulative effect of random mutations. Mutations happen all the time, and is ususally harmful. The rare mutations that allow us to survive a little better is incorporated into the species in the form of greater amounts of offspring (on average, because they survive better). It's impossible to tell which mutations will lead to beneficial evolution until several generations have passed.

Answer 8

Actually evolution is "always" happening. Like when you're a basketball player. Because of your needs to get to a higher places (the hoops) you body starts to grow taller. Or if you're a ice hockey or rugby player. Because of the need for strength and stability. Your body will grom bigger.

That is count as evolution not just the kind of thing that you read...hope I help.

Answer 9

It has already happened to us, is currently happening to us, and will continue happening to us until humans aren't happening anymore. You get what I'm saying? Evolution is an extremely slow process of structural adaptation. So don't expect to wake up tomorrow with a brain intelligent enough to ask intelligent questions.

Answer 10

< else but us?>> That is a rather unfair generalization, as there are MANY religious people who are Faithful and understand evolution. < offense to it.>> It wasn't the mere theory that they took offense to. They took offense to your thinking that evolution appears to prove more than it actually does. < created us humans!">> Like I said, it's not evolution they take offense to. It's your idea that said theory seems to prove more than it really does. All the theory of evolution explains is Natural Selection; how traits are passed from one generation to the next. That's all, nothing more, nothing less. And you are trying to use THAT as "evidence" God didn't create? Evolution does not prove there is no God. Evolution does not prove there is is a God either. <> The same way I do. Evolution THEORY explains Natural Selection, not God. < Humans did evolve?>> And those things prove there's no God, HOW?