Vulpix
10-07-2008, 08:07 AM
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1070671/Evolution-stops-Future-Man-look-says-scientist.html): For centuries, writers have attempted to predict the future of the human race.
Some have argued that we are destined to evolve into super-beings, others that we are turning into dim-witted goblins incapable of anything more demanding than watching TV.
But according to a leading geneticist (:rolleyes:), both visions are wrong because human evolution has ground to a halt.
Professor Steve Jones, of University College London, says the forces driving evolution - such as natural selection and genetic mutation - no longer play an important role in our lives.
The people living one million years from now, should Man survive, will resemble modern-day humans.
'We now know so much about the process of evolution that we can make some predictions about what might happen in future,' said Professor Jones in a lecture on Monday.
Evolution is driven by natural selection and mutation. Genetic mutations create traits which, if helpful, give individuals a competitive edge over rivals.
For most of human history, life was so tough that huge numbers of children died before they reached adolescence.
In a harsh environment where people are competing to survive, natural selection is a potent force.
So in Ice Age Britain, a mutation which gave a baby more resilience against the cold or famine also gave it a strong competitive edge, making it more likely to survive and pass its genes on to others.
But in a modern world of central heating and plenty of food, the same mutation is far less likely to give a child any advantage.
Professor Jones argues that mutation is also slowing down because of a drop in the number of older fathers, whose sperm deteriorates and contains more genetic 'mistakes'.
A third factor - randomness - is also an important ingredient in evolution.
Small populations which are isolated can change at random as genes are accidentally lost, he said.
But as the world's population becomes increasingly connected, the opportunity for random change is dwindling.
'Almost everywhere, inbreeding is becoming less common. In Britain, one marriage in 50 or so is between members of a different ethnic group, and the country is one of the most sexually open in the world.
'We are mixing into a global mass, and the future is brown. (:mad: puke...)
'So, if you are worried about what Utopia is going to be like, don't. At least in the developed world, and at least for the time being, you are living in it now.'
Some have argued that we are destined to evolve into super-beings, others that we are turning into dim-witted goblins incapable of anything more demanding than watching TV.
But according to a leading geneticist (:rolleyes:), both visions are wrong because human evolution has ground to a halt.
Professor Steve Jones, of University College London, says the forces driving evolution - such as natural selection and genetic mutation - no longer play an important role in our lives.
The people living one million years from now, should Man survive, will resemble modern-day humans.
'We now know so much about the process of evolution that we can make some predictions about what might happen in future,' said Professor Jones in a lecture on Monday.
Evolution is driven by natural selection and mutation. Genetic mutations create traits which, if helpful, give individuals a competitive edge over rivals.
For most of human history, life was so tough that huge numbers of children died before they reached adolescence.
In a harsh environment where people are competing to survive, natural selection is a potent force.
So in Ice Age Britain, a mutation which gave a baby more resilience against the cold or famine also gave it a strong competitive edge, making it more likely to survive and pass its genes on to others.
But in a modern world of central heating and plenty of food, the same mutation is far less likely to give a child any advantage.
Professor Jones argues that mutation is also slowing down because of a drop in the number of older fathers, whose sperm deteriorates and contains more genetic 'mistakes'.
A third factor - randomness - is also an important ingredient in evolution.
Small populations which are isolated can change at random as genes are accidentally lost, he said.
But as the world's population becomes increasingly connected, the opportunity for random change is dwindling.
'Almost everywhere, inbreeding is becoming less common. In Britain, one marriage in 50 or so is between members of a different ethnic group, and the country is one of the most sexually open in the world.
'We are mixing into a global mass, and the future is brown. (:mad: puke...)
'So, if you are worried about what Utopia is going to be like, don't. At least in the developed world, and at least for the time being, you are living in it now.'