Charlie Stross wrote:
> On Wed, Jul 12, 2000 at 10:35:23AM -0400, Ross A. Finlayson wrote:
> > Alternately, what are the chances we have divergent or evolved brains?
> >
> > I posit that humanity is evolving faster.
>
> I posit that humanity is not evolving *at all* -- at least insofar as
> our genome is concerned.
>
> Obligatory reading matter at this point: "The Extended Phenotype" by
> Richard Dawkins. Or maybe "The Meme Machine". Our _memes_ are evolving,
> but our genes were mostly frozen around the time that our brains became
> capable of exchanging replicators.
>
> (Or, if you prefer punctuated equillibrium, go read "Darwin's Radio" by
> Greg Bear. Great novel, don't believe a word of it ;-)
>
> -- Charlie
If you would, consider it in terms of brain function as an analog of
computer function. We have more advanced software, and many of our brain
functions are attuned to rapidly changing and otherwise dynamic
environments.
While there might be devolution or lack of difference-based development as a
large portion if not majority is watching the same channels and reading the
same news feeds, by the same token such technological and social
advancements as non-geographic community via the Internet are the sputnik of
global development in wide-ranging areas.
In the past twenty-five years, computer processing power has increased by
factors of millions of times per dollar.
I have read some Bear books, not that one.
Genetic mutations spawned by cosmic radiation may be at the same rate as has
been the case over the course of human evolution. A lower barrier to entry
to life via enhanced survivability and decreased infant mortality gives a
more diverse gene pool, with parts more advanced.
In terms of peoples' brains, there is change over even the last fifty years,
not all good or bad or advancement or decline, yet it is change and humanity
is as strong as ever for it, and thus it is evolution.
Ross F.
-- Ross Andrew Finlayson Finlayson Consulting Ross at Tiki-Lounge: http://www.tiki-lounge.com/~raf/
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