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  #20  
04-02-2002, 04:00 PM
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Danny
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: Apr 2001
: York, England
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Danny  (11)

You have all been looking solely at one method of Evolution, that of Survival of the Fittest. Although this has, in the past, proven to be the dominant method, it is now all but non-existant among humans. You can talk about us become more physically strong or cleverer, but that is not going to happen through Evolution, since there is no longer a hostile environment to kill off those who are too weak or stupid. Survival of the Fittest no longer applies to Humans.

However, there is another method of Evolution that is still very much in effect among us. I don't know the technical term for it, but I will do my best to explain.

Survival of the Fittest leads to genetic traits that make an organism more likely to survive being passed on, as the organisms are more likely to survive long enough to mate. However, survival isn't the only factor that might make an organism more likely to mate, there is also the matter of Attractiveness to the opposite sex.

Now, for many animals, this is practically indistringuishable from Survival of the Fittest, since most female animals tend to prefer to mate with the males who seem most likely to survive. However, in certain animals, the female does not just look for characteristics that enable the male to survive better, but also for other characteristics. Male Birds of Paradise, for example, have evolved elaborate and colourful feathers to make themselves attractive to the opposite sex, even though Survival of the Fittest ought to cause the birds to evolve dull camouflage colours. The reason for this deviation is that female birds of paradise prefer to mate with the more colourful males, rather than the dull males (even though the dull ones might have a better chance of surviving).

I don't think I explained that well, but it'll have to do. It is clear that this sort of evolution is the only kind that can still affect humans, as I explained in my first paragraph.

Q: How will Humans evolve in future?

A: We will become gradually more attractive.

I think that sums it up effectively...
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