Essay about Human Evolution and Adaptation - 637 Words

Over the course of evolution, humans have evolved to adapt the ever-changing conditions to improve their chances of surviving. Is there still room for natural evolution or has the time come for us to use our technological innovations and further our development beyond previously thought possible by biological means. Past trends have shown that as time has passed, significant body structures have changed to counteract the changes to our environment. The changes that have been most significant are: dentation; brain size; muzzle angles; average body weight, skull structure. Will these continue to change and progress along similar trend lines, or has the time come for the evolution of our species to become technologically driven? As humans†¦show more content†¦However as the planet warmed, natural selection may have started to favour a slighter stature in humans. Therefore, as the skeletons and skulls got smaller the brain shrunk in size as a result (McAuliffe, 2011). Another theory that is circulating the science community is that the decrease in cranial capacity is attributed to the arrival of agriculture One theory is that H. sapiens have reached the end of the evolutionary line. As evolutionary changes have occurred, it is known that these changes become fixed in isolated populations. For example, the Galapagos Finches that evolved from the mainland species to survive in the unique habitat of the isolated islands. When natural selection occurs, a genetic mutation, e.g. spine suited to bipedal locomotion, is passed through the generations, as it provides some benefit to the value of life of the organism. Eventually this mutated trait becomes the desired gene for further generations. However if the populations where these mutations are occurring, the potential for significant mutations to take effect within the gene pool decreases as a result of interbreeding between populations (Owen, 2009). As H. sapiens have become extremely mobile, as in they can cover large distances thanks to the development of technological innovations, the possibility between crossbreeding between separate gen e pools of different populations, the possibility that a potentially beneficial mutation can become the desired gene isShow MoreRelatedThe Full Scope Of Human Life871 Words   |  4 PagesHumans are an interesting species because of the strong need humans have to fully understand what it truly means to be human. Many fields such as history, psychology, and sociology all offer a perspective in the study of humanity, but there are distinguishable from anthropology. Anthropology differs from other humanities fields due to its holistic nature, comparative research methods, and the strong emphasis on fieldwork and participant interaction. Anthropology is the study of people throughoutRead More What Makes Us Human?1718 Words   |  7 PagesHumans are extremely complex and unique beings. 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