David's theory of evolution Part Two: humans are final (Evolution)

by David Turell , Monday, January 13, 2020, 17:53 (1774 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: The N.Y. Times has an article about 'gene drive' and current work in changing the genetics of insects. The import is eventually we can change any species. Too long to excerpt, but take a glance. We are top predator and top engineer. Evolution is under our control from here on:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/08/magazine/gene-drive-mosquitoes.html?nl=todaysheadlin...

dhw: I don’t think there is anyone on this planet who would not agree that we are top predator and top engineer. I don’t know whether humans are final, as sadly I can imagine a scenario in which bacteria are final. Just in case you are thinking of linking this to your theory of evolution, of course it does not mean humans were your God’s one and only goal from the very beginning, or that he preprogrammed or dabbled every other life form, econiche etc. extant and extinct, or that he did so in order to fill in 3.X billion years before he embarked on fulfilling that one and only purpose! Just clarifying.

On the other hand, the concept of “gene drive” may well give us an insight into the way cells/cell communities themselves operate in the process that Shapiro calls “natural genetic engineering”.

What if we evolved further, as that is the only likelihood, would our brains enlarge? Would our lumbar spines and knees be improved? Hard to imagine.