The idea that humans evolved from an evolutionary phylogeny is widespread and the best-represented theory by known evidence. But have you ever thought that we are still evolving - and with technological advances being around now for a while, doesn't it seem that we live a very different lifestyle which we may have adapted to, compared to people in earlier history? Juan Enriquez has a great talk on TED on 'Homo Evolutis'. He's funny too, and makes the case that we are continually 'upgrading', as seen in the archaeological evidence of the human evolutionary tree. Are we the 'be-all, end-all' sole purpose of creation? Or is it more likely that we are continually evolving to our environments? In our evolutionary history, there have been multiple species existing at the same time. Why should we be alone as a singular species, when some individuals may have adapted to become Homo Evolutis - a newer, better-adapted (to our current societies respectively), species?
I love TED talks as they make procrastination feel like work. They're also inspirational and really make you think. Here's another on neo-evolution by Harvey Fineberg:
Personally, I think it's only a matter of time before a new species does emerge, but I think it will be among our existing Homo sapiens species. Cultural diversity in tandem with technological advances taking effect within certain areas and groups of people will, like Darwin's finches, inevitably lead to a diversity that will create species difference. Are we mid-upgrade? Will we be able to use technology to change our bodies and adapt to lifestyles? Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory thinks he's 'clearly too evolved for driving'. Hmm... I'm not convinced...
