What Predictions can be made using Evol Theory? (Darwin, doom)

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by crystalonyx

Actually, we are giants compared to homo sapiens 100 years ago. Anatomically similar but much larger.

A hundred years ago?

[painted wolf]

if you look at H.sapien and H.ergaster there is very little difference. Both 6ft tall both hominids with toolmaking capabilities and so on. We are not that different from our ancestors. (growth stunted medieval europeans aside.) There is no anatomical difference between us and someone from a previous century.

wa:do

[heavyarms553]

In my personal opinion, I expect to see increasing declines in biodiversity which are directly coupled with the spread of human populations across the planet. This may or may not result in cataclysmic collapses of entire ecosystems. Upon regaining equilibrium, the planet will be mostly populated by humans, or the intelligently improved progeny of humanity, and the species which humanity thought prudent to preserve in order to maintain symbiotic relationships.

Humanity isn't really evolving by conventional methods anymore. Individuals who display unwanted traits (genetic disease, physical imperfection, stupidity, etc) are no longer being weeded out effectively by natural selection. However, the growth of our intellect has given us the chance to have a direct influence in our own evolution through genetic engineering. I think it is through our understanding of genetics that we will become a superior species to the one we are now.

Its not so far a stretch to imagine bioengineered organisms which we use as part of a symbiotic relationship. Imagine a cow which is bred for maximum muscle deposition and growth, yet is genetically engineered to never develop a cerebral cortex. It will never be conscious, yet it will be supported by human caretakers. That way, we won't feel guilty about killing and eating it because it was never sentient to begin with. Alternatively, we could just grow plants with specialized leaves which contain overlapping actin and myosin muscle fibers. Basically: Steak that grows on trees.

The ultimate success of this model will be governed by the wisdom in our decisions.

[Jaiket]

Originally Posted by heavyarms553

In my personal opinion, I expect to see increasing declines in biodiversity...

The Bad English Fairy returns!

[Troublemane]

Well, EVOL spelled backward is LOVE, so isnt that a good thing?

[logician]

Originally Posted by painted wolf

if you look at H.sapien and H.ergaster there is very little difference. Both 6ft tall both hominids with toolmaking capabilities and so on. We are not that different from our ancestors. (growth stunted medieval europeans aside.) There is no anatomical difference between us and someone from a previous century.

wa:do

Take a walk around in the 18th century America and notice the average size of people, I think you may notice a difference.

Of course, there is no difference anatomically.

[painted wolf]

Not much of one... 5'6" vs todays 5'9"... the height issue is more of a myth than a reality.
Especally since we Americans are a shrinking population.

Its nutrition not genetics that account for any height differences. We are not anatomically any different from our ancestors. Modestly so from other hominids. That is the big issue... We show little difference from our ancestors, just like every other species. (However, look at our DNA and you will see a pronounced difference... as expected.)
To find dramatic change in form you have to look further back in time.

wa:do

[crystalonyx]

Originally Posted by painted wolf

Not much of one... 5'6" vs todays 5'9"... the height issue is more of a myth than a reality.
Especally since we Americans are a shrinking population.

Its nutrition not genetics that account for any height differences. We are not anatomically any different from our ancestors. Modestly so from other hominids. That is the big issue... We show little difference from our ancestors, just like every other species. (However, look at our DNA and you will see a pronounced difference... as expected.)
To find dramatic change in form you have to look further back in time.

wa:do

I agree that it is nutritional differences, although the height difference gets more and more pronounced as you go back in time, until the difference levels off say several hundred years (or more) ago.