Moderators, feel free to delete this if it's a repost- I'm sure it's been asked before somewhere in cyberspace (I'm new here- hi everyone). One thing I've been wondering about evolutionary development is how our current reliance on labor saving devices/technology/modern medicine will effect it. I assume humankind will (more than likely) never reverse directions in terms of developing advanced labor saving toys. If it continues for long enough- presumably for thousands of years, I'm thinking humans will eventually inherit certain dependancies or become specialized with certain things Since humans thrive using intellect, then one direction I predict would be further development of the brain. I wonder what will happen to everything else? I wonder if our limbs will eventually have characterestics that are suited for vehicles instead of walking/lifting objects? Will the immune system become reliant on medicine? Will the digestive system develop in such a way that it can only handle processed foods? What are your thoughts?
Aspects of your question have been dealt with before, but it remains an interesting topic. I think the relevant points are these: 1) We shall shortly have the ability to routinely modify human genes to correct for 'deficiencies' in our genetic make up. The time frame for this is at most decades. 2) Later we will have the capacity to add significant characteristics that are not present in the individuals genetic makeup. The time frame for this is at most a century. 3) Eventually we shall be able to carry out radical genetic engineering that will fit humans to live in a bewildering diversity of environments. We shall create new species. The time frame for this is at most millenia. 4) We may never acquire the wisdom to do any of this appropriately.
Om: The rate of mutation from natural causes and sheer chance is so slow that there will be no significant "evolution"--in the sense that we use the word now--before Ophi's predictions come true. 2,000 years--80 generations--is not enough of a span for more than a couple of genes to mutate naturally and spread very widely by aggressive reproduction. We'd more likely lose some genes through deliberate selection, e.g., by browbeating people with certain hereditary diseases into not propagating their own bloodlines.
Humans will still be able to survive and re-produce regardless of whether they can drive or operate machinery, or not; thank goodness for social security.
