I definitely agree that we have created an artificial environment for ourselves and it seems that because of this, we have removed ourselves from the typical natural selection processes. In more natural environments, intelligence does usually lead to survival advantages (hence the conservation of highly complex brains that ultimately resulted in Homo sapiens). However, in our self-created environment and society, intelligence is not necessary for survival (with the exception of recipients of the esteemed Darwin award) and therefore intelligence is not a direct evolutionary pressure. In fact, we seem to be defying traditional natural selection processes in that education (i.e. intelligence) is inversely proportional to number of offspring. As a result, we are in essence, selecting for uneducated masses. Could this be considered "de-evolution"?
And, in response to Dr. Capellini's comments, I think we could select for intelligence and humility if people of this sort were to have more offspring. However, that would be a very difficult race to win. It's difficult enough being a woman in science. Who's got time to raise 15 kids? Rebekah E. Gibble Doctoral Candidate The University of Louisiana at Monroe Department of Toxicology -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Buffington, Matt Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 2:32 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: current natural selection pressures ---It appears, at least to this field ecologist, that we are practicing behaviors aimed at improving the survival of a whole host of competing and maybe even antagonistic gene sets. And most of us (but not all of us) believe that is exactly what we should be doing. Where and how is natural selection at work in all this?--- Warren Aney I think this is what I was seeing. Seems like we have created a bit of an artificial environment for ourselves that doesn't correspond as closely to some of the basic natural selection processes I learned in school. Economics, religion, morality, and the like seem to govern our lives more than traditional selection. I've enjoyed all the thoughts. Matt Buffington Statewide Environmental Biologist Indianapolis, IN
