04-06-2006, 11:35 AM
Chesspiece_face,Apr 5 2006, 03:37 PM Wrote:Ok i've been holding off but i can't stand it any more. This concept that evolution is a process wherein a species gradually moves closer and closer to some notion of "perfection" is incorrect. That's not how evolution works. And the definition of "survival of the fittest" that people most often use in correspondence with the aforementioned falacy is also incorrect.
Evolution, at its core, is only a process to force variety with the idea that the more variety (in a genetic sense) the more chances that the species will be able to overcome environmental obstacles. there is no gaurantee that evolutionary adaptations will be helpful to a species and in many cases what was originaly an adaptation later becomes maladaptive. There is a higher number of cases of sickle cell anemia in people of african decent, this occurance has been shown to derive from a particular genetic attribute that was originaly an adaptation to resist malaria.
Survival of the fittest is not cumulative. In other words: the "fit" of one generation having offspring will not necisarily create a more "fit" second generation. At it's heart Survival of the Fittest only means that the "fit" are those that live long enough to create self reliable offspring, nothing more. Thier genetic qualities are not necissarily better or worse than any other.
The only way that Humans, or any other species, could be getting genetically weaker is if evolution stopped creating variety. This concept of "watering down the gene pool" is contrary to how evolution actually works. It is, however, a general misconception and propagated by people based on ingrained cultural xenophobia, ethnocentrism, and racism. (which isn't to say you are any of those things, just that many people misconceptions on the ways evolution works.)
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No.
It possible(I would say probable) that society has a created a mechanism which is working counter to biological fitness.
Out of decency we save people with lethaly flawed genotypes - then they reproduce. We do this frequently.
Almost everytime you see a recovered cancer or heart attack patient having kids for instance you see genes that would have natrally become less common instead staying in the pop .
I have been making this point on this forum for years BTW. Also drop the inference to racism, loser its a 2 bit insulting trick to discourage people from disagreeing with you.