Has the evolution of the human race been halted now that medical science ensures that the weak survive.?

Question

Mighty M - I do suffer fron cancer - what's you point.

Mighty M
I do suffer from cancer - what's your point.

Answer 1

Yes, most scientist agree we are still evolving, scientist just don't know at what rate. Examples would be:

The Microcephalin gene now carried by 70% of the human population (arose 14,000 and 60,000) and ASPM gene now carried by 25% of the human population (arose years ago 500 to 14,000).

Lactose intolerance is also seen as an example of humans evolving, a mutation that occured in modern man.

The functions of these genes are unknown, but these genes have evolved in modern humans. The human factor will also play a big role in evolution.

Here is a good site that tries to answer some of these questions:

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/mg18925421.300-are-we-still-evolving.html

Answer 2

I think it has yes, I have asked similar questions on here, and people often say "well it would be different if you had a disease", well i guess it would, but a species must have a instinct to want to stay alive or they would be pretty useless as a species. Natural selection is a good thing for a species as it makes it stronger as a whole, but in an individual sence then death is not a good thing (obviously), its the willingness to want to stay alive and immunity of diseases which makes a species progress as a whole. So thinking as a whole species and not an individual, then disease is a good thing for us.
Removing diseases from our society may seem like a good thing, but think of the insane overpopulation that will occur. Imagine if everyone only died of old age, we would have to destroy pretty much every creatures habitat on this earth just to accomodate, and who said humans are such a priority on this world. We may have more brains than everything else, but used wrongly can be a very powerful weapon against everything including us. In my opinion humans are too clever for their own good ( I said species far too many times in that)

Answer 3

I don't think it's halted but we have probably changed the direction evolution is going in. If people survive who have genetically based illnesses and then they have children this will contribute to the gene pool and many more people will carry defective genes. I had/have an illness that has a genetic component and would have eventually killed me if undiscovered. Because of the nature of the illness it was extremely unlikely that I would or could have children. However, I have discussed with my family the possibility that the grandchildren could carry the same genetic problem and this might manifest in them or their children. I think they should be talked to about this possibility, but my family don't want it discussed.

Answer 4

I don't think it has halted evolution, but it may have altered it. It is no longer the strong, quick hunter who is the first to pass on his genes, but rather the smart, successful business man instead. This means we probably won't get much bigger as a race of animals, but we'll have better problem solving and communication skills. The end of our race will come when only those with good fashion sense are able to reproduce, as that is the most useless thing we as a culture value.

Answer 5

No, on several grounds.

Not least because part of evolution takes place on a group and tribal level, and societies that cooperate and care for each other *can* have an evolutionary advantage, as a group, over devil-take-the-hindmost individualism. And if the group/tribe/nation prospers, the chances for individuals inside itimprove too.

It's been worked on quite extensively, by game theory and experiments,. for example.
See also papers on the evolutionary development of altruism, etc.

Yes, in theory the best way to be is an exploitative individual in a cooperative group. Just as long as the group doesn't spot you. Then you're badly outnumbered.

Answer 6

Most, but not all. There's still sexual selection, in which the male fascination with breasts has caused them to hypertrophy to a ridiculous degree. Most ironically, the extra bulk is all fat, not lactating tissue at all!

But even that will cease to be selected for, now that we can do the enlargement surgically. Our teeth are no doubt becoming even worse, given the huge prosthetic industry, as are our eyes.

The good news is that before long we'll be able to correct these messy things directly in the genome, and dispense with the gory business of natural selection altogether.

CD

Answer 7

NO - because the evolution of humans is now not a biological process. The advancement of humans now is about communications and therefore language. We can sit on giants shoulders and advance with giants steps because we can read and listen to then and take their ideas into our future.

Dr Hawkin could not have accomplished his works without all those who preceded him.

Alan Turin could not have invented the computer without the work of Babbage and co.

Evolution by biology is slow - it would take thousands of years to advance much but with science and technology we are evolving at a massive lick. And people who would have been whipped aside, like Stephen, contribute so much.

Answer 8

Nope...Evolution is a process that involves genetic mutation, and so far science is unable to exercise it's influence on its progression. I do believe that scientific effort is one that will provide a way for the folks with the most money to access the progression of scientific efforts that will give the rich (not surprisingly) opportunity to be more survivable than those with less funds. It makes no difference. The energy of every ones spiritual existence is eternal. Everyone's spirit has equal value. Money will not change that. So, just relax, your responsibility is to use this life for spiritual, growth. Riches will not change that.

Answer 9

No . Evolution is always onging. It may have changed direction.

Who are having the most kids nowadays ? In the past it used to be the rich who could afford better helth care and more and better food for their offspring. Now it seems the rich and intelligent are having fewer kids ! Oh woe is me . This could truely be the golden age of mankind !

Answer 10

Mighty Macabro - I happen to know that the Odd Job Man already has cancer. He's my husband.