Evolution Continues, Thanks to the Little Fellows

• Welcome to the BOL Forum on Evolutionary Psychology by John Grohol, 3/19/97
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    • Human Evolution Continues, I Just Decided by James Brody, 5/31/97
      
      

I found your observations most interesting, as were the responses. Certainly, one can argue that human evolution has continued and still continues because, in spite of advances in modern medicine, we have few treatments for viral infections. Thus, our immune system (and god knows what else) has, and is, constantly doing battle with a lifeform that mutates at an incredible rate. In addition, the use of antibiotics against bacteria has caused rapid evolution of bacteria, now drug resistant, leading to a new round of battle between our immune systems and drug-resistant bacteria. On the microscopic and biochemical levels, humans continue to "evolve" and, so far, prosper. BTW, the "and god knows what else" bit refers to the intimate interactions between the immune system and the central nervous system. Brain neurotransmitters alter immune cells and immune system agents such as cytokines can alter brain function. What this all means is that we are indeed evolving, it's just that most of it doesn't show physically. Given the growing body of evidence linking infectious agents and "mental" illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, etc., maybe the evidence of continued human evolution lies within the realm of increased numbers and types of psychopathologies.

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