As ordinary people live day to day, they do not always think of those secrets and interesting questions that scientists are still trying to find answers to. For example, what is the current evolutionary state, and what exactly will the future bring to humans? When a person looks ahead to the next phase, he or she may see several possibilities. In his video, Fineberg (2011) mentions and explains these variables, and the thoughts and ideas of the speaker seem to be rather exciting and intriguing.
Before discussing the possible future of humankind, it is necessary to define evolution. The speaker explains it as an extended process of passing on the genome to the following generations, surviving through, and adapting to the future years and environments (Fineberg, 2011). From the point of view of evolution, all people are “the booster rockets.” They are created to send the genetic code into the next level of orbit and make sure that those who will live in the future can get it. The idea I find one of the most interesting in this video is that evolution does not need people to live forever or use a hundred percent of their brain. Biopsychology applies biological principles to the studies of developmental, genetic, and physiological mechanisms of people’s behavior (Metcalf & Bergstein, 2019). Since Fineberg discusses that people’s behavior may become able to control their genes, development, and physiology, his video is related to this field.
Some modern advances have changed people’s understanding of genetic processes. For example, rapid technological advancements, as well as the Human Genome Project completion, have greatly improved genetic factors knowledge and the understanding of their impact on human diseases and life (Durmaz et al., 2015). However, some ethical issues like animal testing and environmental pollution are rather disturbing. Alternative ways of testing and getting rid of chemicals and other wastes are the solutions.
Some examples of currently adaptive structure or behavior may become non adaptive or maladaptive if the environment changes. For instance, with the problem of overpopulation, the fact that many people are a part of the LGBT community has become adaptive. It is entirely normal and natural to love a person of the same gender. However, if the environment changes because of a severe catastrophe, and people will have to repopulate the planet, it may become non adaptive and thus a problem.
References
Durmaz, A. A., Karaca, E., Demkow, U., Toruner, G., Schoumans, J., & Cogulu, O. Evolution of genetic techniques: Past, present, and beyond. BioMed Research International, 2015.
Fineberg, H. (2011). Are we ready for neo-evolution? [Video]. TED. Web.
Metcalf, J., & Bergstein, B. (2019). Neo.Life: 25 visions for the future of our species. Neo.Life.