Is human evolution faster or slower?

The history of human evolution began about seven million years ago, when the first hominids appeared on Earth. Called pre-australopithecines, they represent the definitive separation of the human lineage from the chimpanzee lineage. Since then, the evolutionary process has given rise to several species until reaching the current human species — Homo sapiens sapiens. But, nowadays, are humans still evolving? Studies indicate that it does and that current human evolution is happening faster than ever before!

How does human evolution occur?

Man, like other animals, has DNA, which is nothing more than an organic compound whose molecules contain the genetic instructions that coordinate the development and functioning of all living beings, and even some viruses. All those who have this compound in their genes are subject to mutations.

Sometimes, one of these mutations affects an important characteristic, such as an animal's coat color or a specific behavior. Over time, such favorable mutations spread among a population and change their appearance and even the way they live. Occurring long enough, it can even give rise to a new species. However, small mutations can go unnoticed over time.

Evolution is a gradual change in the DNA of a species over many generations. It can occur by natural selection, when certain traits created by genetic mutations help an organism survive or reproduce. Contrary to what many believe, Natural selection does not favor the strongest individuals, but the most adapted. to a certain environment. Such mutations are therefore more likely to be passed on to the next generations. Gradually, these mutations and their associated traits become more common throughout the group.

Evolutions continue

By looking at global studies of our DNA, we can see evidence that natural selection has made changes recently and keep doing it. Although modern health care frees us from many causes of death from disease, in countries without access to good health care, populations continue to evolve. Survivors of infectious disease outbreaks, for example, drive natural selection, passing on their genetic resistance to offspring. Our DNA shows evidence of recent genetic evolution for resistance to killer diseases such as Lassa Fever and Malaria.

Os Humans are also adapting to their environment. Mutations that allow humans to live at high altitudes have become more common in populations in Tibet, Ethiopia and the Andes. The spread of genetic mutations in Tibet is possibly the fastest evolutionary change in humans, occurring in the last three thousand years. This rapid increase in the frequency of a mutated gene that increases blood oxygen content gives locals a survival advantage at higher altitudes.

Diet is another source of adaptations. Evidence indicates a recent adaptation in the Arctic due to the high-fat diet of its population's mammals. Studies also show that natural selection has provided a mutation that allows adults in that region to produce lactase — the enzyme that breaks down sugars in milk. This would be the reason why some groups of people can digest milk after weaning.

However, we may also be adapting to unhealthy diets. A study of familial genetic changes in the United States during the XNUMXth century found genetic evolution to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which can be lethally raised by modern diets high in fat and carbohydrates — the famous fast foods.

But, after all, is human evolution over or is it continuing?

Certainly humans are still evolving, but evolution is now as driven by our culture and the technology we've invented as it is by biology. And that evolution, according to some scientists, may be happening faster than ever before. In addition, other animals, including apes, continue to evolve as well—especially now, in response to the massive changes caused by humans to their environment.

Homo sapiens is very different from earlier species. Human beings today are also no longer like those who lived 10 years ago. And, probably, those of the future will be different from us. That's because, even if we don't always realize it, we are still evolving. One thing is certain: all habits and choices cause changes in the human body and alterations.

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Sources: Phys, National Geographic.