Introduction
Evolution; particularly the aspect that concerns the human species; is one aspect of science that has been based heavily on either assumptions or theories. Of course, this is expected, because evolution; to a large extent is neither based on pre-defined patterns, nor did any of us witness the evolutionary processes first-hand. But thanks to the aids provided by archeology, paleontology, and even palaeoanthropology, we now have pointers to how the whole process was initiated, and even the trails down to the extant modern humans. Here, we would be considering another phase of evolutionary parameters, because by all indications, what was normally a natural event has now suffered mutilations by other external forces (of which "technology" is a chief mutilator in this).
[Image Source: Publicdomainpictures. CC0 licensed]
Before the emergence of tech
Like I made mention of in the intro, evolution was majorly based on natural factors; which Charles Darwin referred to as Natural Selection - and this concept presupposes that nature has a way of taking care of their own. That means; the species that adapt favorably to their environment would survive, while the others can go to hell (for all Darwin cares). Okay; that's viewed as the concept of "Survival of the best fitted", as seen in Darwin's book - Origin of species. To the major part of the evolutionary course, the principle of natural selection has been a major force, but we need to take a little time-travel back. Our ancient grandpas evolved from some weird-looking ape-like creatures; of which Australopithecus was a major breakthrough in this, which also had many subspecies. Then subsequently, they evolved to the Homo habilis (Handy man), and the Pithecanthropus erectus (Homo erectus) [ref]. Though there is possibility of transitional fossils in-between, because the entire earth hasn't been excavated (yet) in search of missing fossils.
But the truth is, nature favoured the survival of those species (like the Homo habilis et al), and that was why they didn't just die out like the host of others, but evolved down the line. Well, that's exactly the principle of the workings of "natural selection" - if you would agree with me.
But looking at that very scenario remotely, I'm sure you know why the specie; Homo habilis; was nicknamed "the Handy man"? Of course; based on paleontological analysis; they made use of tools. And some of these tools were also exhumed alongside their fossils. Come to think of this; the other species that died out weren't recorded to have utilized tools. That means; the tools somewhat gave the Homo habilis some edge and a fair chance of surviving through to evolve into the subsequent species. Now, hasn't "tool making" (ancient technology; as the case may be) mutilated the normal process of evolution? Well, just hang on for more examples.
[Crude stone tools used by our grandpas. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain licensed]
Up the line
I'm sure you're already aware that the extant modern human is the "Homo sapiens sapiens", and not just "Homo sapiens". Reasons being that some other subspecies of the specie; Homo sapiens; have been uncovered, like the Homo sapiens Idaltu, the Homo sapiens neanderthalensis, and even the Homo sapiens rhodesiensis [ref] and also we have evolved a little further from the Homo sapiens (which is by interpretation; "thinking man") to the extant modern humans. But looking at this holistically, it was discovered that our immediate past ancestor; the Homo sapiens; had a mutual co-existence together with the Neanderthals [ref] - I'm sure this is getting weird. So if we were present together with them, why then did we make it to the present time, but they didn't?
Okay here's the point: The Neanderthals; based on this report had a fairer advantage, if faced up with the Homo sapiens for a physical combat; judging from their fossils; which indicated stronger biceps and triceps, and even the pelvic bones. Clearly, they've got the strength (but Homo sapiens got the adaptability), and yeah! evolution is not majorly based on physicalities, and this is why it is inferred that some other factors are remotely in apposition with the normal trend of evolution. So let's consider this force in detail - the force of technology
Tech; unleashed
All these instances of tool-making we considered; even though could suffice as technology; but they were very crude in nature. But in this era, we've been witnessing outburst of technological advancements. So what has this technology done to the evolutionary process of humans? A particular exposition was made by Dr Ray Kurzweil, that the rate of evolution has been sped up many thousand times in this era, and that can largely be attributed to the force of technology [ref].
[Image of what is happening now in evolution. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Author: Fonytas. CC BY-SA 4.0 licensed]
Maybe this would give you a little insight: Our bodies get adapted to the changes in the environment where we exist in. And of course; evolution is nothing more than series of these adaptative changes (either natural or induced) that ensures the survival and sustainability of an organism, and encourages speciation. Well, maybe we can thank our bodies' neuroplastic abilities for this. Take this example: The world; no doubt; is getting more and more noisy than we've ever experienced - cars horning, machines hitting against stuffs, and all whatnot. But it's been observed that the dwellers in those noisy regions have evolved with something to help them still maintain sanity in the midst of the insane noise; and that is "selective hearing ability" - What is this all about? Just like your electronic Home Theatre is built to filter noise - in the same way; their hearing mechanism has evolved to selectively filter off nasty noise; while consolidating on the useful sounds [ref]. Could this also be explained by Jean Baptiste Lamarck's theory of "Use and Disuse"? Which indicates that we tend to consolidate on the features we need and use quite often. Or is it purely a technologically induced evolution?
Okay let's look at another scenario: The ancient grandpa of modern man that evolved before the Australopithecus; which is the Sahalantropus (looked very much like Ape) was almost covered in dense mass of hairs. Of course, these hairs were needed by these species to act as a form of insulation, and they were able to pass through the bone-chilling colds; even the ice ages (I'm sure you know they didn't have winter jackets, so they relied on nature - the hair). But in this era, we've got heating technology, insulative covering, and all whatnot. It is not surprising that we are not as hairy as grandpas. And maybe, in the future, we could even lose more hairs or probably become bald. I mean, why do we even need dense mass of hair when the earth is getting hotter, and coupled with our other heating techs? Tech wins again here - by charting the course of the evolution of hairlessness in humans.
[Sahelanthropus with dense mass of hair. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Author: The Carlagas. CC BY-SA 3.0 licensed]
Okay one more example: Some of our ancestors were highly muscular; as evidenced from their fossil analysis. Well, they didn't have much assistance from tech. But now we've got machines to assist us, and that has further increased our reliance on technological aids - No wonder humans have been seen to lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle, and we could further evolve with weaker muscles. Why da heck do we need a Hulk-Hogan-kind-of-muscles when we would not even put shit to work? I guess tech wins again. So you see, even though evolution was majorly based on natural factors, the advent of technology has created obvious flaws in the overall evolutionary process. Hail technology!!
Conclusion
How do we look at evolution? Maybe as a natural process right? But have you ever considered technology forming a major part of evolution? Do we still call this "evolution", or technovolution? (technology-induced evolution). I guess you already know the answer.
Thanks for reading
References for further reading:
- Evolution of Australopithecus and homo habilis - creation.com
- Existence of neanderthals
- Evolution and technology
- Nature.com/earliest hominid species
- Loss of hair as we evolved
- Humans - the hairless primate
All images are CC licensed and are linked to their sources
gif by @foundation
Very interesting. Loved the flow of thoughts. Made me think about a or of things. Like, we know that both Neanderthals and modern humans made tools and even used fire. Neaderthals seem to have both hammers and spears like weapons so did modern humans. Though slight differences in tool making could make a lot of difference. Though alternatively these tools might not have been weapons, but tools for getting food. Neanderthals, though omnivores were major meat eaters compared to modern humans. Modern humans could have had tools to better harvest plants and hunt, while neaderthals tools might have been majorly about hunting. The micropatterns on molars of these two species tells a story that diet might have given modern humans some advantage in Eurasian climate.
I think hairloss of terminal hair happened about 1 million years ago, if you go with molecular clock hypothesis. There are two competing hypothesis regarding this. One being that for evolution in savanna
and being active most of the day, sweating came handy. Sweating won't be efficient in thick fur pad. Plus sweating with fur pad also invited a lot of parasites and diseases so there might have been sexual selection for that as well. But then when it came to iceage, you are right we would have not survived without technology we call clothing, and now fashion.
This makes me wonder how is medical technology like C section and use of antibiotics shaping us. The anorexic models and popularized by media how would they survive without medical technology. Though on the other hand I think increasing survival of all possible genes in population via technology would increase our adaptive radiation and may come handy for some individuals in some bottleneck event.
This, indeed, is absolutely correct. And as it we're, being hyperactive during the day in the blazing heat of the sun would encourage heavy sweating - which would not sync well with thick mass of hair. Who knows, this could partly explain the reason people in this part of the world (Sub-Saharan Africa) are less hairy, compared to the people in the polar caps.
Remotely, we wouldn't have needed prophylaxis if we're majorly reliant on our immune system (like our ancestral grandpas) to ward off infections and stuffs. But with the advent of technology, we've shifted our reliance to antibiotics and prophylaxis. No wonder, even our immune system isn't as strong as it would have been suggested to be.
Well, I still believe that technology's main aim is to complement humankind; without recourse to the attendant negative effects.
Thanks for coming
I find the way you worded this very interesting Sammi.
😆I love all things evolution! Your work here has drawn my attention to how I see it, though (as something purely natural); but this, perhaps, might be a limited view. I have a whole different level of appreciation for materials that challenge the way I see things Sammi :)
Thank you!
I'm honoured by your presence, Abbey.
I got exposed to the area of evolution (and history in general) quite early, because my mum is a historian, and I got all these stuffs forced down my throat, lol.. but it's really cool though. And that could also explain my love for it (well, after technology)..
Thanks a lot Abbey. Lots of love from here.. Enjoy the rest of the evening Abbey.
Very interesting article. Thank you for that @samminator
I'm honoured to hear that.
Thanks for dropping by
It's always nice reading your articles on evolution, i have learnt a lot about the topic from your articles than any where else, for that i say thank you.
I'm really glad your enjoyed the article.
Your presence is very appreciated
I upvoted your post.
Best regards,
@Council
Posted using https://Steeming.com condenser site.
Congratulations! Your post has been selected as a daily Steemit truffle! It is listed on rank 21 of all contributions awarded today. You can find the TOP DAILY TRUFFLE PICKS HERE.
I upvoted your contribution because to my mind your post is at least 8 SBD worth and should receive 143 votes. It's now up to the lovely Steemit community to make this come true.
I am
TrufflePig, an Artificial Intelligence Bot that helps minnows and content curators using Machine Learning. If you are curious how I select content, you can find an explanation here!Have a nice day and sincerely yours,
TrufflePigThis post has been voted on by the steemstem curation team and voting trail.
There is more to SteemSTEM than just writing posts, check here for some more tips on being a community member. You can also join our discord here to get to know the rest of the community!