Re: Further Evolution beyond the Human?
Bryant (mycol1@unm.edu)
5 Oct 1996 13:19:14 -0600
In article <32561B4A.737C@tyco.net.au>,
Brian Davison <davison@tyco.net.au> wrote:
>I have an interesting theory on evolution to consider. It seems most
>likely that the natural process of evolution is finished, and mankind is
>the final product of that evolution. So the question remains, what
>comes next?
Most biologists (if not all) would reject your assumption that evolution
is somehow "planned out" such that it has a natural "ending point."
Evolution occurs by the differential representation of some alleles over
others. There's no reason to suppose that this process was always
working its way "toward" one little species like our own, any more than
to suppose it was working "toward" any of the other 3-30 million life forms
currently inhabiting this planet.
I'm reminded of Haldane's reply to a woman who asked if his studies in
evolution had given him insight into God's mind. He said that God has an
inordinate fondness for beetles, which outnumber other animal species
considerably.
Bryant
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