Quote:
Originally Posted by Conan
In our society, practically anyone can have children and promulgate their genes into new generations. Most of us no longer struggle to survive, nor do we necessarily need to adapt to environmental or predatorial concerns.
Our evolution as a species doesn't simply stop; that's not how it works. But evolution by means of natural selection seems to be less a factor for a species where practically everyone has a potential mate or at least the potential to mate, where we are the very top of the foodchain, and technology shields us from death by a number of natural and violent causes.
What will our species look like in 100,000 years, and why?
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Or not, depending...
Appearance-wise, I don't think we're going to naturally change much for environmental reasons, unless our environment changes significantly. Technologically, though, I think the most obvious possible course is a process of humans and technology becoming integrated. At such point where technology makes it possible, it might be reasonable to assume that artificial organs, body parts, etc., or enhancing prosthesis and general things in that realm, might be a possible course. Also, technological breakthroughs in genetics and biological sciences might allow us to live longer, alter physical characteristics, eradicate disease, etc.
I guess the most far-out possibility would be almost total-integration via implementation of mostly cybernetic internal characteristics and physical ability. Whether we'd decide to abandon our traditional form altogether would be unknowable in our current perception.
I'd be more inclined to assume that technology will drive our evolution, seeing as how it has changed our lives as much as it has in the past few decades alone.