Based on the reading materials that I have come across in this class, it is evident to note that the evolution story is the one that is much talked about and this goes on to explain the changes that human beings have had to undergo over the passage of years. Therefore, it is pertinent to note that human beings continue to evolve and this is different from what used to happen in the past based on biological, behavioral, and environmental aspects. The other notable feature that explains the manner in which human beings have evolved can be explained along cultural lines by looking at the cultural traits, which explain the evolution story.
One of the ways that humans have continued to evolve can be looked at in terms of genes. It is now possible that technology has created a mechanism that has given the human beings an ability to conduct gene editing. In the past, this is something that was not possible and it would be difficult to explain the evolution story or rather things like gene editing were unheard of. However, human beings have now evolved, which means that they are now able to perform gene editing that has given them the ability to swap out sections of the genome with less money and time than ever before. Besides that, the gene editing has changed the behavioral traits of human beings in the sense that one can have traits that are not biologically related to their family.
There is also the issue of genetic self-interest that has been mentioned, which explains the ways that the human beings have changed based on their actions. The self-interest has changed the behavioral traits of human beings in the sense that it has driven the actions of individuals actions even at the expense of what is regarded as important things such as health that have been compromised. In the past, it was difficult for human beings to have this high level of self-interest that has even changed the behavior of the human beings. Currently, the concept of gene editing has also given rise to genetically modified foods, which is something that has influenced the environment as well. For instance, the genetically modified foods have an effect in the
environment because those foods are normally prepared by adding chemicals and in some cases; they are also grown in the greenhouse.
Such foods end up affecting the environment because it means that the greenhouse gases that are emitted to the environment have an effect on the chemical composition of the environment as well. The other way that human have evolved is through cultural traits. In the past, the society had certain cultural traits that were based on the community that one was living in at any given time. However, this has now changed and cultural traits are now influenced by technological advances as well as people imitating other cultural traits. Generally, those traits are now exhibited in human beings such as change of language, which is different from what used to be spoken in the past.
I agree with your perspective on cultural evolution. It is so fascinating to see the changes in culture. Technology has really brought people together across the globe. This constant exchange of information, knowledge, and perspective is shaping our global society. Because of technology, like the internet and transportation, an individual’s culture is not restricted by their geographic region. My mother was born in Kuwait and my father was born in the US with a European heritage. This has greatly affected my personal culture and perspective. Without the technology we have today, people like my mother wouldn’t be able to immigrate to the United States or to other countries in as quickly in fashion to facilitate the almost instantaneous global interactions that affect our daily lives.
Hey Tang!
I found interest in the study of anthropology, and I agree that it is pertinent to note that human being continue to evolve.I like that you also were interested in the technological aspect in terms of gene editing from our lecture article by Sarah Scoles I mentioned about the CRISPR-Cas9 which is considered as a cheap, fast, and reliable technology for the gene editing. I believe there are still objects to overcome for the technology with ethical and legal evaluation. I do agree with your opinion that the gene editing has changed the behavioral traits of human beings in the sense that one can have traits that are not biologically related to their family. I really liked how you connected the gene editing and the GMO(genetically modified foods) that clearly affects the environment of its grow because of its added chemicals.
Good job!