Is mental retardation and physical impairment evolution?

Question

Because evolution is basically "Trial and error". So does this mean that mental retardation is part of evolutions tiral and error method?

Answer 1

Yes and No... if it is caused by genetic mutations than yes, it is a part of evolution.

For example, there is a genetic mutation called ectrodactyly, it's a mutation in the number 7 chromosome. It causes people's feet to grow almost completely differently.

It's genetic, so it's passed on to the children.

There is a entire tribe of people with this condition, called the Vadoma tribe, they're called the 'ostrich people' by the surrounding tribes.

This mutation is reportedly helpfull in climbing trees, around here where there is no benefit in tree climbing, they would be considered disabled or imaired, but in africa it's an excellent example of evolution.

Check out my sources, there's a video.


So basically, if it's genetic and can be passed on to children, then it's evolution. But if it's physical, like an accident in the womb, then it's just a disability.

Answer 2

You are making generalizations which are not necessarily valid; for instance, "mental retardation" as a condition can have various causes: In the case of a person with Down's Syndrome (a genetic condition whose cause is a chromosomal abnormality), reproduction very likely will result in a child with Down's Syndrome, almost certainly if both parents have the condition. Others suffering from mental challenges may have suffered brain injuries during birth, such as a lack of oxygen; those effects are unrelated to genetics and are not indicative of any evolutionary mutations. Physical impairments may be the result of familial or genetic traits if they can be traced or occur in families with some regularity; there are many such diseases that are related to genetic factors, but there are also physical impairments whose causes are accidents, naturally, or impossible to diagnose with any certainty. In the course of evolution, mutations arise, some of which are beneficial, some of which are not; over a long period of time, the beneficial changes are more likely to endure as those that produce medical syndromes will often lead to the death of the sufferer before that person can reproduce. The biological situation is "the survival of the fittest". And, you are correct in assuming that such events are indeed the trial and error method applied to the evolutionary process.

Answer 3

Unknown. There are too many artificial things thrown into the mix. Consider nuclear radiation. Consider chemical influences. Consider artificial hormones. Consider the unimaginable and unthinkable. Consider that evolution is only a theory. Adaptation is real. When we know lots more, then an answer MIGHT, just might, be found. Currently we know practically nothing. Our ignorance is not popular, but if popularity determined fact things would be different.

Answer 4

Both mental and physical impairment can be genetic quirks which is what evolution is all about. They can also, however, be the result of post birth trauma so they can not be ruled evolutionary in all instances.

Answer 5

Evolution is not quite "trial and error." It just so happens that mistakes are made sometimes.

Answer 6

Your mother is doing a terrible job of educating you. She works with disabled people and she hasn't taught you to not call them retards. The only people that deserve to be locked up are criminals and the criminally insane.

Answer 7

Well, mental retardation is one of the effects of inbreeding, so I would say it's evolution's way of saying "don't have sex with your sister."