Evolution of Evolution: why have we not seen a big change?

When discussing evolution, there is usually a question of "when will it end?" or " why would anything still be evolving" or, better yet, "are humans evolving?" To answer these questions, we have to remember why anything ever evolves in the first place. Whether it be selection, nonrandom mating, or the weather, there is always a reason for evolution that is driven by some outside force. These outside forces are why organisms continue to evolve. We've had a heck of a time dealing with the evolution of COVID-19 over the past couple years! The reason organisms keep evolving is simple: to become better suited to their environments. It would not make sense for a bright pink moth to live in the dirt now would it? And to answer the question regarding the evolution of humanity, we have yet to see a true survival-driven evolutionary characteristic of humans in the modern era. Sure there may be redheads or blue-eyed people, but those mutations do not constitute evolution. All-in-all, evolution hasn't "fallen off" or become obsolete because the world and its ecosystems are ever-changing and there will always be hurdles and changes for organisms to overcome and adapt to.

Comments

  1. Megan BOctober 22, 2021 at 5:58 PM

    This is a really interesting thought Kathryn! We don't see any huge changes in humans but I think there are some events in recent history that do affect out genes; like famines and plagues. I think Sherpas may also be a good example of this, but I don't think their evolution is very recent.

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  2. Ian GroomNovember 5, 2021 at 1:52 PM

    Hey Kathryn,
    I would agree with your post about why evolution in humans has appeared to slow down. One thing I will say is that it's probably easier for humans now with a lower "fitness" to live in the world that has so many accommodations. It's not about who is faster or stronger or able to harvest the most berries anymore.

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