Future Evolution
In science, evolution is a basic concept that is accepted by all major scientists. Evolution is described as a necessary adaptation all species must undergo if they are to survive the test of time on this planet. As Humans, like all other species on this planet, we are no different in our need to undergo evolution. The question however remains, how will evolution display itself through human beings? We know that evolution can take thousands to millions of years to exhibit itself in a species, but what if we could push the clock long enough to see just how far human evolution would take us. What does the future human being really look like? Researchers and scientist can only speculate on how human evolution can unfold, but the possible scenarios of human evolution are nothing short of spectacular.
One scenario that could unfold in the very distant future, and probably the most believable, is that humans will reproduce between races enough that any racial differences would be void and no longer a factor. Human beings would also lose differences of ethnicity and language as well, which could lead to one dominate culture that dictates all human life.
Cultural diversity, as measured by linguistic diversity, is fading as human society becomes more interconnected globally, Pimm argued. "I do think that we are going to become much more homogeneous,"
Another possible scenario that could occur would come because of some great world catastrophe, such as a nuclear war or an asteroid, that would separate humans from one another long enough that, depending on where humans were on the planet, they would evolve to suit their different environments. Certain physical attributes that humans have could change as well depending on the severity of the situation. For example some humans who must evolve to survive in a radiation filled environment might develop radiation resistant skin, or evolve so as radiation is a necessary part of life.
If different populations develop in isolation over many thousands of generations, it’s conceivable that separate species would emerge.
Yet another possible scenario that could occur would be, that through science and biology we are able to speed up evolution to make ourselves smarter, stronger, and more resistant to diseases that come in contact with us. Through genetics humans could evolve themselves to be better looking, and even live longer than anyone ever dreamed possible today. Also through this way of speeding up evolution we could get to the point where the enhanced genetics could be passed on creating an entirely new species of human beings all together.
“In terms of making genetic modifications to ourselves, it’s much more likely we’ll start to tinker with genes for disease susceptibility. … Maybe there would be a long-term health project to breed HIV-resistant people,” he said.
All three of these scenarios most scientist would agree depends on a number of things to go right, and or wrong. All these scenarios are also based off of the understanding that the human race will survive long enough for evolution natural, or artificial to take place. All these scenairos bring with them many ethical, political, and religious complications as well. With all these things to take into consideration, the likelihood of evolution working out exactly how these scenarios plan it out is....well.... unlikely to say the least, but still you just can't help but too wonder.
