h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Due to the way evolution works, which is through random mutation of DNA when reproducing that DNA, it is therefore impossible that evolution has come to any kind of halt. It is simply that evolution happens at such a larger scale than the average human life, so we can't notice it easily.

Although we are perhaps altering the way evolution has previously worked by using contraception, caring for weaker memebers of society, altering DNA, selected IVF embryos and so on.
We may find that we evolve to be dependent on technology.

I don't think we *will* evolve naturally any longer, since as well as the genetic mutations themselves, it requires some form of *selection* to encourage certain mutations over others. Since we now try and keep so many of our kind alive, and give even the impotent the chance to pass on their genes, I think the only *natural* progression we'll make is towards more variety. Perhaps in the future there will be an even more amazing range of human beings than there are now - and just maybe, we'll have learnt to live with the idea that we're all slightly different and we can't just fit each other into neat categories...

I agree with Increase - we won't evolve any more due to the lack of selection. This isn't to say we wont mutate...

*thinks*
*reforms thought*
It is true that there is no real natural selection anymore, and therefore no choice (or rather, less of a choice, as some mutations cause the DNA strand to die instantly) as to whether the mutation survives. This means that instead of only the mutations that improve the chances of an organism living surviving, a lot more mutations survive, some of them good, some of them bad. This means that, in theory, we will evolve at a faster rate, but perhaps we will de-evolve in some way. However, since I am not really an expert, or even really qualified to speculate on this matter, there is most likely a flaw in my reasoning.

We could be promoting genes that would otherwise die out for good reasons. Maybe some are not meant to reproduce, they may have an abundance of disease traits and markers.

In manipulating fertility like we do ,I question the wisdom in pushing the reproduction of genes lines that are trying to die out!

I guess whether we're still evolving depends on how you define evolution

So I think its necessary we use GM to improve ourselves - provided we do it for the whole race, not just aa chosen few...

So I think its necessary we use GM to improve ourselves - provided we do it for the whole race, not just a chosen few...