Biology Week 2: Evo-Devo

Evolution cannot occur without genetic mutations.  Such wonderful and often frightening changes, whether natural or environmentally induced, have had a profound impact on our current human appearance, culture and relationship to the planet. Reading about "Lucy" our closest and most complete ancestral fossil gives us a ton of  insight on our current condition.  By analyzing her structure, scientist determined that she frequently walked upright, though had not developed into the cognitive super genius powers of the most current Homo sapiens sapiens.  Though Lucy's species became extinct three million years ago as a result of climate change, a parallel species Paranthropus boisei survived as a result of their large jaws and teach.  A third species, Homo habilis, with smaller jowls evolved into scavengers, beginning the cycle of Hominid meat eating.  The protein and nutrients helped develop larger brains leading to the use of tools.  Homo Ergaster's smaller pelvis helped them travel great distance for food, giving them evolutionary advantage.  Since the large brain and small pelvis were at odds for childbirth, Ergaster evolved offspring with underdeveloped brains. As a result, mothers needed to assist youth for longer periods of time post birth leading to our most current family dynamics.

With all of our evolutionary advantages (i.e omnivores diet, capacity for speed and socialization networks), how heavily can we rely on our stability as a species? Though once co-existing with other Hominid species, we stand alone with a history of withstanding many environmental and societal shifts.  But really, how stable is our species as we become less and less connected with our environment? The impacts are two fold.  Not only are we becoming less able to "live on the land" but our disconnect is increasing the exploitation of our natural resources.  Plastics for instance, an invention that has made extraordinary advancements in our society is also wreaking havoc on our lands and oceans. Further, as a whole it seems we have become quite disconnected with internal environments.  Pain responses, an indication of underlying problems are masked with drugs until they are so unbearable that we must seek medical attention.  Then so often organs are removed or stronger drugs prescribed to further alleviate symptoms with unexplored roots. What would happen if our grid crashed and we needed to live on the land? how would we fair and who would thrive and who would perish? Extreme, yes, but the nature of our current study in Biology Class inspires such thinking for this particular sapiens sapiens.