Theories of Evolution

Because, in the larger scheme of things, each of us spends such a short span of time breathing the air on this planet, it is easy to forget that evolution isn’t stagnant. The same process or genetic compulsion that caused us to drag ourselves out of the swampy muck and mire, that caused our ancient ancestors to find upright gaits and opposable thumbs attractive, is still at work.

It is almost impossible for our 27,010 sunset brains (365 x 75) to wrap around changes that happen on the true scale of life—more like 200,000,000 sunsets. So the mountains that we know and the faces we see in the mirror are easily defined as the way things are.

But things happen faster than you think. Consider, for instance, that the average human height across the globe has increased approximately 4.5% on average since 1800.

The current and dramatic changes in our living conditions (dependence on technology, climate shifts, and medical breakthroughs) will undoubtedly speed up this process.

According to this interesting-despite-its-overly-definitive-tone study, humans will eventually evolve into two separate species—genetic haves and have-nots. Given that modern society so often rewards stupidity I’m not sure I believe in this model.

Another theory I’ve heard is that the quintessential Roswell alien is the natural evolutionary end product of the human race—enlarged brains, decreased dependence on strength and physicality, pale skin because, evidently at some point, albinos come back in style.

Perhaps this is the case. Despite the billions of evolutionary possibilities (actually probably because of them) perhaps all evolutionary roads inevitably lead to one optimum result. A biological Rome, if you will.

Whatever the case in the long run might be, as we gravitate towards hi-definition, multi-media digital entertainment as the be all end all, I’m afraid our next step on evolution’s ladder might look something like this…