If you had to think of an analogy to best describe evolution and the process of natural selection you might well opt for it being akin to a game of Chinese Whispers (or as some people call it - the Telephone Game). This comparison between the two is often made and is even used in … Continue reading Evolution – A Game of Chinese Whispers
One thing that is apparent from our longer lifespans is that, as we age, the human form is prone to many genetically driven debilitating conditions. In other words, the longer we live the more likely we are to succumb to some genetically prescribed condition, notably cancers and degenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. Similarly, throughout our … Continue reading Genetic Engineering: It’s Both Essential and Inevitable
Humanity – we’re doing alright. In fact, we’re probably doing better than alright. We’ve been around awhile and, generally, our existence has not been too much in doubt. This is because, over the years, thousands of years, we have put ourselves in a strong evolutionary position. As a species, at some point in our development … Continue reading Human Evolution – Past Success; Future Uncertainty.
We may not be due our year end, a salary review or our final exams but it should not mean that we are exempt from a genetic appraisal of how we are performing as a species. Are we achieving what we are supposed to be striving for? How well are we doing? How do we … Continue reading A Genetic Appraisal – A Measure of Humanity’s Performance
All too often we will admire Nature for the beauty it produces, for the complexities it displays and for the variation it generates; but Nature also represents a cruel world. It’s a harsh reality – a dystopian state. If you are to ask what a dystopian world would look like, you would quite likely point … Continue reading Genetic Dystopia – Freeing Ourselves from Nature’s Cruelty
Different animals have different reproductive strategies. The only common characteristic is that each strategy is purposefully designed to secure the best reproductive partner available. By doing this an animal aims to give their off-spring the best genetic prospects. A common reproductive strategy is for the male to acquire a particular territory and then to seek … Continue reading Bagging a Territory to Secure a Mate
On its back with its feet in the air, a wood louse was stranded in the middle of my patio. Defenceless and in the open, its future looked bleak. Gallantly, I came to the rescue. I turned it over. But, more than that, I moved it to a less exposed part of the garden where … Continue reading Interfering with Nature – Should I Get Involved?
The greatest threat to humanity is not nuclear obliteration, environmental catastrophe, meteor strike or a contagious virus. The greatest threat to our survival comes from ourselves and our relentless drive to develop and progress the world we live in. Generally, we perceive progress to be good for us. It means that we live longer, that … Continue reading Humanity’s Evolutionary Downfall – The Danger of Progress
Our genes are the central beings of Nature – the powers that be. We, like all species, are merely vessels for their containment. Our human behaviours are governed by our genes. We live, we procreate and we raise our off-spring on the basis of what is good for our genes. We act on their commands. … Continue reading Society’s Genetic Challenge
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