3 comments

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  brian j. parker

  2 years ago

  Idiocracy deals with this theme, but I don't think it's really how evolution works. A few minor changes might evolve gradually (like, we're getting taller, since tall people get more chances to breed) but for the most part, evolution happens in spurts. Some dramatic mutation happens (like webbed feet, or a different skin color) and that mutation enables the creature who got it, and its descendants, to breed more.
  
  Now unfortunately we're not breeding out the bad mutations (like peanut allergies, or asthma) but there were always medical problems that came too late in life, after the breeding cycle, to get weeded out (cancer, weak heart). But we should ostensibly be getting taller, and stronger, and better-looking.
  
  But a true evolution-- a drastic mutation-- you expect that to only appear every few thousand years anyway.
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  julie

  2 years ago

  Is that punctuated equilibrium, parker? And where's my link, pegritz?
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  brian j. parker

  2 years ago

  I think so, Julie. Jen could tell it better.
  reply