Natural evolution has altered many organisms over time, including humans, (Homo sapiens) in the past. However, for the present and the future of humanity, I believe that natural human evolution will not continue, as humans have taken control of their evolution. First, humans are able to artificially alter their physical appearance to be more attractive, causing sexual selection to alter the gene pool less and less. In addition, people are able to remove the pressures which question the fitness of individuals using medical technology. Finally, as genetic research continues to advance, humans can alter their genes and the genes of their children to bypass natural selection in the process of improving the species.
The first factor which allows …show more content…
Currently, gene therapy, which can alter genes in one organ at a time, is being developed to cure diseases (Ward, 2009). With this technique, humans have the ability to remove the genes which cause disorders and diseases without killing the individuals who carry these genes. This method of gene selection is faster than natural evolution because it allows immediate removal of unfavourable genes, while natural selection occurs over many generations. Therefore, gene therapy can quickly outpace natural selection, giving humans complete control of their evolution. Additionally, advances in genetic modification through germ-line therapy could allow parents to genetically engineer their children, making them more intelligent, attractive and removing predispositions for disease (Ward, 2009). This type of genetic modification allows the production of an offspring which is more fit to survive without relying on chance to produce the perfect combination of parent genes. If foreign genes which do not belong to either parent are used to improve the offspring, the concept of inherited traits is also rendered obsolete. People can take control of their evolution by choosing their genes and the genes of their children, something which no other organism has the ability to do. Due to the fact that …show more content…
By manipulating sexual selection, eliminating natural selection and outpacing natural evolutionary processes, humans are able to evolve unlike any other organism: through artificial means. Most organisms cannot learn to adapt; they either have adaptations which allow them to survive or they do not. The image of a beaver learning to use a chainsaw comes to mind, a caricature which demonstrates the impossibility of adaptation through learning. When one observes Homo sapiens, however, it is evident that this species depends on its unique ability to learn in order to survive. Humans are the only organisms to which Lamarck’s theory applies; they learn to develop new technologies throughout their lifetimes and pass them on to future generations, which improve upon their ancestors’ designs and discoveries. Humans strive for perfection, as seen with advances in cosmetics, medical technology and genetic modification, and this ability to consciously seek out ways to improve themselves allows the human race to completely control its
The first factor which allows …show more content…
Currently, gene therapy, which can alter genes in one organ at a time, is being developed to cure diseases (Ward, 2009). With this technique, humans have the ability to remove the genes which cause disorders and diseases without killing the individuals who carry these genes. This method of gene selection is faster than natural evolution because it allows immediate removal of unfavourable genes, while natural selection occurs over many generations. Therefore, gene therapy can quickly outpace natural selection, giving humans complete control of their evolution. Additionally, advances in genetic modification through germ-line therapy could allow parents to genetically engineer their children, making them more intelligent, attractive and removing predispositions for disease (Ward, 2009). This type of genetic modification allows the production of an offspring which is more fit to survive without relying on chance to produce the perfect combination of parent genes. If foreign genes which do not belong to either parent are used to improve the offspring, the concept of inherited traits is also rendered obsolete. People can take control of their evolution by choosing their genes and the genes of their children, something which no other organism has the ability to do. Due to the fact that …show more content…
By manipulating sexual selection, eliminating natural selection and outpacing natural evolutionary processes, humans are able to evolve unlike any other organism: through artificial means. Most organisms cannot learn to adapt; they either have adaptations which allow them to survive or they do not. The image of a beaver learning to use a chainsaw comes to mind, a caricature which demonstrates the impossibility of adaptation through learning. When one observes Homo sapiens, however, it is evident that this species depends on its unique ability to learn in order to survive. Humans are the only organisms to which Lamarck’s theory applies; they learn to develop new technologies throughout their lifetimes and pass them on to future generations, which improve upon their ancestors’ designs and discoveries. Humans strive for perfection, as seen with advances in cosmetics, medical technology and genetic modification, and this ability to consciously seek out ways to improve themselves allows the human race to completely control its