Degeneration under domestication

[sevendogs]

Evolution never stops. We, Homo sapiens, continue to evolve. However, our evolution turns rather degenerative then progressive. Let us consider domesticated animals, as an example, first. They evolve to some extend in a similar way, becoming somewhat degenerated as compared to their wild counterparts. Traits of their degeneration are decline in general alertness and awareness of the environmental stimuli, smaller brain, decline of all body parts necessary for defense or attack, such as shorter and weaker legs, smaller head, particularly muzzle and teeth, etc. Certain strains (or breeds) of horses, dogs and cats became less degenerated then pigs, rabbits or cattle, for example, due to their selection for some functional activity. At the same time, many other domesticated animals actually became reduced to a vegetable way of life being simply raised as meat for table, such as chickens and pigs in factory style facilities. Anyway, even our dogs are becoming increasingly dependent on our care and technology to survive and procreate. Some dog breeds cannot perform even basic biological functions without assistance, such as mating or giving birth without veterinary intervention. We, humans, also continue our evolution, which is going increasingly degenerative. We domesticated ourselves by making us increasingly dependent on our own technology, conveniences, medications, surgery and other high tech things, which help to save more lives undiscriminately and helping to procreate those who are born genetically defective. Effects of natural selection is minimized. As a result, a considerable part of human population becomes more and more dependent on technology. This process, makes human species vulnerable to possible future catastrophic changes in Earth environment, when we may suddenly loose access to our technological means of protection from rigors of the climate, new and old microbial agents damaging our health, etc. Possibly, we will disappear from Earth just like trilobites or dinosaurs did in the past. Then, further evolution of life on this planet would continue without us. I am so sorry that I, or others, like me, would not be able to watch and investigate the story further....

[Jack]

Interesting post.

I think you present a very realistic future for mankind. We are clever animals with big brains. But our brains evolved due to our being such puny, defenseless animals. All the world's navies and armies, all of our bombs and guns and precision hardware can't save us from a catastrophic natural event like an asteroid collision or the eruption of the Yellowstone basin. In fact, all it would take is having the planet's atmosphere vented into space and the entire planet will be lifeless.

Why would anyone imagine that we'd avoid the same fate as the other powerful creatures that have ruled this planet (for longer than we humans)? Space is a hostile environment. All the evidence we currently possess suggests that life in the universe is the less common state. Perhaps that's due to the delicate nature of life.

[Pockets]

I'll take the bait and say we have a shot. There is nothing to say we will not be vaporized by a celestial object. Nothing says disease will not end our time in existence. It is our brain that gives us a chance. I accept as fact the dinosaurs died out due to Earth impacting an asteroid. If it must happen again I hope we detect the threat in time to employ countermeasures. Those actions may work and they may not. Science may detect the threat, realize it is too late and simply say nothing. Who knows. I hope we are able to implement a cohesive plan to colonize the moon and beyond. If that goal were to be realized then the loss of our atmosphere may not have to mean annihilation. If we can colonize the moon, surely we can stay on Earth with no atmosphere.
If you accept the theory that the Earth will cease to exist as we know it then we must accept it. We can hope our technology moves quicker than the Earths fate and make Earth the starting line, not the finish line. The evolution of our brain is our only hope.

[Gods_Mercenary]

I hope we destroy ourselves in nuclear war eventually, that's a way to go out, and the future intelligent species will be like "Damn, those guys were so tough they committed suicide." Granted, it would be better not to go out at all, but I can think of few better ways than a cataclysmic war.

[sevendogs]

Quote by: Pockets I'll take the bait and say we have a shot. There is nothing to say we will not be vaporized by a celestial object. Nothing says disease will not end our time in existence. It is our brain that gives us a chance. I accept as fact the dinosaurs died out due to Earth impacting an asteroid. If it must happen again I hope we detect the threat in time to employ countermeasures. Those actions may work and they may not. Science may detect the threat, realize it is too late and simply say nothing. Who knows. I hope we are able to implement a cohesive plan to colonize the moon and beyond. If that goal were to be realized then the loss of our atmosphere may not have to mean annihilation. If we can colonize the moon, surely we can stay on Earth with no atmosphere. If you accept the theory that the Earth will cease to exist as we know it then we must accept it. We can hope our technology moves quicker than the Earths fate and make Earth the starting line, not the finish line. The evolution of our brain is our only hope.

This is a typical series of believes in all powerful technology. Many Americans worship the technology, all kinds of silver bullets. In fact, we cannot control even a nationwide obesity problem. Global warming and massive decline of biodiversity are just a warning signs. Did we return any of the lost plants or animal species back? Did we create a new species to replace the lost one? We have genetic engineering, of course, but this is nothing, but just another form of pollution, the genetic pollution. Moving to other planets is good only for science fiction. Our brain is strong, but only to a point. We are prone to gambling, to all kinds of deadly addictions and believe in becoming suddenly rich without working, despite the brain power.

[sevendogs]

Nuclear pollution and explosions would not finish other forms of life. Some bacteria live and breed even on walls of nuclear reactors. Sites abandoned after severe radioactive contamination have a thriving wildlife and plant communities. Slowly developing and reproducing species, like humans, are in great disadvantage under this conditions.

[Eclipse]

I would hardly call our species physically degenerative. Our capability to survive without technology is rather unrealistic at this moment in time due to population and our effect on the environment, but a limited amount would do us more good then harm. Reaching and maintaining this level of technology has had profound effects on the environment and ourselves as a species. Good mentality and physiology does not require technology in order to progress.

Quote by: Pockets If you accept the theory that the Earth will cease to exist as we know it then we must accept it. We can hope our technology moves quicker than the Earths fate and make Earth the starting line, not the finish line. The evolution of our brain is our only hope.

Indeed. But the problem lies with our current use of technology, our use of the earth in ways that reap, what would seem to be, the life right out of it. A need for balance is not hippy talk, it is a need for the earth's systems to function properly. I would hate to always be trying to outrun our death wherever we go because we fail to realize our actions require responsibility. A balance need not be a decrease in our advancement, it is more about proper choices which are necessary for the continuing presence of life with minimal effect on our environment.

Quote by: Isherwood Why would anyone imagine that we'd avoid the same fate as the other powerful creatures that have ruled this planet (for longer than we humans)? Space is a hostile environment. All the evidence we currently possess suggests that life in the universe is the less common state. Perhaps that's due to the delicate nature of life.

Touché.

Quote by: sevendogs This is a typical series of believes in all powerful technology. Many Americans worship the technology, all kinds of silver bullets. In fact, we cannot control even a nationawide obesity problem. Global warming and massive decline of biodiversity are just a warning signs. Did we return any of the lost plants or animal species back? Did we create a new species to repalce the lsot one? We have genetic ingeneering, of course, but this is nothing, but just another form of pollution, the genetical pollution. Moving to other planets is good only for science fiction.

I'll stress this even more. Choices, choices, choices. Choose vegetarianism. It will solve a huge chunk of our problems in health and the environment. Choose efficient technology. Not wasteful technology such as petroleum for cars, coal burning, or technology like that. Society will change once people choose to change themselves. There are so many choices available today for people to choose from that it is sometimes frustrating that we would rather spend our resources on such pointless and wasteful things. Choose peace rather then war.

Perhaps it is just my personality but I have never seen an actual reason for a war or the technology besides the fact that it's there somewhere else. Maybe if we have a war people will finally come to their damn senses but I would not wish such a catastrophe among life.

[Gods_Mercenary]

We have at least one ridiculously large war every century, we don't ;earn, that's what tells me it's a problem with our nature, not something we can fix. If we were like other animals, that wouldn't be a problem, but our wars are cataclysms for nature.

[sevendogs]

Vegetarianism is not a wise choice, unless one has a health problem causing inability to digest meat or fish. there are certain very rare conditions like this. Life must be enjoyable. Vegetarianism and/or vegan-ism is already bad simply because it is a part of AR ideology. This alone makes it absolutely unacceptable. Meat eating is a vital part of my ideology and I will fight to defend my freedom.

[Eclipse]

It is not about the ideology in this case. The animal industry produces a lot of environmental and health problems.

[Jack]

I would hardly call our species physically degenerative.

At least in the West, we're becoming fat, lazy and sedentary. Could any of us run down and kill, then prepare, our own food? Relying on our brains has corrupted our bodies. As we create more technology, we create more opportunities to shift labor to machines thus making us even less fit. More people need glasses now than in the past. Our hearing is being assaulted by city noise and earphones. We don't walk if we can drive.
Remember Men in Black? Someday we may evolve into something like that little alien residing in the head of a exoskeleton android.

[Eclipse]

True, that is a select group and the group widens in range the longer we choose not to act upon it. Would you say that others have become more efficient, coordinated and overall healthier then in the past?

[Eclipse]

It is a matter of choice in those examples. We can choose to eliminate the sources of those problems. It is within our ability. While some get unhealthy, sedentary, lazy, etc, others break the bounds of human expectations. YouTube - Evolution Parkour Not the best example but it was a quickie source.

Edit: Here's a better example Myspace.com

[Eclipse]

Now, I'm not saying everyone can do this. Some are degenerating in a sense but it is not always the case nor necessary if we implement education to our youth that balance is a necessary thing to become healthy and to discontinue this form of degenerating. It is beneficial to the mind and body.

It does not mean that people have to be very healthy and in great shape. Not everyone can be an athlete. I know I'll never become one of those in the video. I kept to running and sports of the like but I will definately educate my youth in the importance of balance and health and the effects of choices in a more holistic view of the consequences and I will educate them in the excercises of the mind. Balance is vital in successful progress.

[Pockets]

This is a typical series of believes in all powerful technology. Many Americans worship the technology, all kinds of silver bullets. In fact, we cannot control even a nationwide obesity problem. Global warming and massive decline of biodiversity are just a warning signs. Did we return any of the lost plants or animal species back? Did we create a new species to replace the lost one? We have genetic engineering, of course, but this is nothing, but just another form of pollution, the genetic pollution. Moving to other planets is good only for science fiction. Our brain is strong, but only to a point. We are prone to gambling, to all kinds of deadly addictions and believe in becoming suddenly rich without working, despite the brain power.

I really enjoy when people rail against technology. Facts are stated in the above. However, technology has brought in many advancements that are ridiculed.
Genetic engineering- nothing like dismissing the ability to grow corn or wheat in drought stricken regions. Not to mention resistant to mold.
How about a return to yesteryear? When people died from polio and old age was 52.
Obesity. What kind of shape are you in? How about someone comes over to your house and force you to get in shape. Maybe higher taxes if your BMI is over an 'acceptable' range. What was your point?
I think the most immediate threat to our way of life is global warming. I think if we haven't caused it we have greatly increased its arrival date. It is a monstrous threat. A major challenge is the attitude 'I don't believe it because I cannot see it'. Which is exactly the tone of the quote above. We have screwed up the environment and the time to pay is coming. Gambling is not only about getting rich without working. It is about having the guts to go out on a limb and take a chance that may ruin your reputation, life or career. What country are you from?

[Jack]

I really enjoy when people rail against technology.

Well, I for one don't rail against it, I'm a great supporter. But I believe we need to be honest with ourselves about its effects on us and our society. Not all technology is productive, but we are no doubt headed into a more intensively technological future.

There have always been the skeptics, the outsiders who aren't really outside but act like they are, that try to keep the game fair. Life's moderators. Those of us who use technology to bitch about technology.

Yup, I'll be the guy blogging about how blogs are ruining the blogosphere.

In a sense, it's a natural part of our evolution. We are adapting to a new tool we've invented. Just like we evolved when we first learned to use tools, when we developed language, when Ronco started selling the Vego-Matic. We invent the tool, then it becomes a factor in our adaptation. We even invented gods as a tool.

[RickSp]

Quote by: sevendogs We, humans, also continue our evolution, which is going increasingly degenerative. We domesticated ourselves by making us increasingly dependent on our own technology, conveniences, medications, surgery and other high tech things, which help to save more lives undiscriminately and helping to procreate those who are born genetically defective. Effects of natural selection is minimized. As a result, a considerable part of human population becomes more and more dependent on technology. This process, makes human species vulnerable to possible future catastrophic changes in Earth environment, when we may suddenly loose access to our technological means of protection from rigors of the climate, new and old microbial agents damaging our health, etc. Possibly, we will disappear from Earth just like trilobites or dinosaurs did in the past. Then, further evolution of life on this planet would continue without us. I am so sorry that I, or others, like me, would not be able to watch and investigate the story further....

It is an interesting argument but not one well supported by facts. Primarily due to technology resulting in advances in the treatment of chronic aliments and improvement in nutrition and housing, humans have undergone a dramatic evolutionary shift toward health and longevity over the last 100 or so years.

So Big and Healthy Grandpa Wouldn’t Even Know You

New research from around the world has begun to reveal a picture of humans today that is so different from what it was in the past that scientists say they are startled. Over the past 100 years, says one researcher, Robert W. Fogel of the University of Chicago, humans in the industrialized world have undergone “a form of evolution that is unique not only to humankind, but unique among the 7,000 or so generations of humans who have ever inhabited the earth.” The difference does not involve changes in genes, as far as is known, but changes in the human form. It shows up in several ways, from those that are well known and almost taken for granted, like greater heights and longer lives, to ones that are emerging only from comparisons of health records. The biggest surprise emerging from the new studies is that many chronic ailments like heart disease, lung disease and arthritis are occurring an average of 10 to 25 years later than they used to. There is also less disability among older people today, according to a federal study that directly measures it. And that is not just because medical treatments like cataract surgery keep people functioning. Human bodies are simply not breaking down the way they did before. Even the human mind seems improved. The average I.Q. has been increasing for decades, and at least one study found that a person’s chances of having dementia in old age appeared to have fallen in recent years. The proposed reasons are as unexpected as the changes themselves. Improved medical care is only part of the explanation; studies suggest that the effects seem to have been set in motion by events early in life, even in the womb, that show up in middle and old age. The effects are not just in the United States. Large and careful studies from Finland, Britain, France, Sweden and the Netherlands all confirm that the same things have happened there; they are also beginning to show up in the underdeveloped world. Of course, there were people in previous generations who lived long and healthy lives, and there are people today whose lives are cut short by disease or who suffer for years with chronic ailments. But on average, the changes, researchers say, are huge.

[RickSp]

Quote by: Isherwood In a sense, it's a natural part of our evolution. We are adapting to a new tool we've invented. Just like we evolved when we first learned to use tools, when we developed language, when Ronco started selling the Vego-Matic. We invent the tool, then it becomes a factor in our adaptation. We even invented gods as a tool.

I wonder, sometimes in the wee hours of the morning, whether Ron Popeil might be an emergent god. Pope - Peal - Vegomatic. It all fits together like a Popeil Pocket Fisherman. How much would you pay for this brave new cosmology? But wait it gets better! Imagine "Hair in a can" as the new cosmic paradigm!

Then I roll over and go back to sleep.

[sevendogs]

Yes, all these good changes took place. We live longer and became bigger. All these changes are due to a more comfortable life, vaccinations, etc. However, all this takes place under umbrella of comfort and all kind of service secured by technology. I do not suggest that technology is bad. I use it myself. This simply an observation. There are other research results, for example, mutations of old foes, such as TB bacteria; now we have high frequency of people susceptible to TB genetically; new bacteria are resistant to antibiotics and kill again. This technological umbrella would break or even become completely eliminated by drastic changes in the climate and then all mortality of the weak would go up.

[pahl]

It probably wont be long until we can manipulate genes completely. When we can design a human with perfect genes we will have no further use for evulotion.