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RE: Debunking Shits About Evolution - Episode 11 [Evolution - The Dark Sides]
This is a weird topic: connecting ageing to evolving. Ageing is IMO a property of any living species. How would that relate to evolution? Can we say a species evolves if its life expectation increases? To me, it belongs more to the philosophy side.
There's actually a remote connection.
observably, the life expectancy and the rate of aging of species right from the earliest hominid specie; the Sahalanthropus, has fluctuated. For example, during the early Paleolithic era (which also happens to be home to the Australopithecus and even the Homo habilis) the life expectancy stood at somewhat of 33years. But going to the Neolithic era, it dwindled a little, and also increased subsequently.
On closer paleoanthropological analysis, it was observed that the fluctuations in aging and life expectancy was as a result of how well species adapted to changes within their environment.
Like during the period of the introduction of the crude stone tools and the fashioning of the same, there was a little spike in the average life expectancy. Of course, it wouldn't be surprising, because the introduction of tools (ancient technology), enhanced the adaptation of species.
With the current waves of tech in this era; for example; people might even evolve to defy the aging process. And it has started happening - with the combo of genetic engineering and cybernetic technology, our bodies would begin to acquire new traits. And when these traits are passed on to the next generation (in affirmation of the Larmack's theory of "inheritance of acquired traits"), then we can call the process Evolution.
There are actually some living organisms that have defied the natural aging process. Like some biologically immortal organisms like the Hydra et al. Though we are only focused on the human aspect of evolution.
Thanks for coming sir
I agree life expectancy has evolved. This is clear. But I would classify it as a consequence of many other things, in particular the development of new technologies and the change of the way of living. It is still hard to me to conceive it follows from species evolution.
Taking the example of people fighting ageing today... well, it is just the development of new technologies allowing to do so. It has nothing to do with our species evolving. No?
I agree with you, but this
Technology; in a remote sense; is still part of the evolutionary processes. As a matter of precision, anything that would alter our body's response to our environment and our adaptability can be considered as being part of evolution. (Can I ask this question? is mutation part of the evolutionary processes? And can technology trigger mutation?)
Looking at the flip side; do you know what can be queried for people in this generation evolving with weaker muscle mass and sedentary lifestyle? That's one of the effects of technology on evolution; because of over-reliance on tech, and placing less emphasis on their physical strength - and the theory of "Use and Disuse" would come into place.
Looking at the hands of the ancient hominids, their thumbs weren't as opposable as ours. But when man began to handle tools (effects of tech), the thumb started evolution differently. And now, we could wiggle our thumbs. And not just that, over the years, our fingers have been getting longer and thinner - of course we don't exert much pressure on tools-handling; because soft-touch devices have taken over.
In this era, Technology and Evolution have become almost inseparable.
If you have time, you can look at the episode5, where I talked about induced adaptation.
Thanks for your nice comment sir
Ok I see. But then, mostly anything can be related to evolution, can't it?
I will read episode 5 tomorrow. I have missed it (you probably released it during my vacation).