two species of humans??? In the future????

[renegade600]

Found this interesting article from the bbc. It talks about how the human species will change over the centuries. I cant wait!!

Evolutionary theorist Oliver Curry of the London School of Economics expects a genetic upper class and a dim-witted underclass to emerge.
The human race would peak in the year 3000, he said - before a decline due to dependence on technology.

However, Dr Curry warns, in 10,000 years time humans may have paid a genetic price for relying on technology.
Spoiled by gadgets designed to meet their every need, they could come to resemble domesticated animals.

some already resemble domesticated animals

[Lord_Anthrax]

Interesting.. and I think I know who already is one

[black mirror]

Yes the resemblence is uncanny

[Pi rules]

Just imagine what effect certain genetic engineering tactics would do. They could increase this extremely quickly. At first, only the richest could afford to get their children "enhanced" before birth. These children grow up with superior intellect, athletic ability, etc. and enter the job market where they thrive due to their "enhancements," then do the same for their children, eventually leaving the rich on one end and the poor on the other.

But in the nearer future, humans will evolve in 1,000 years into giants between 6ft and 7ft tall, he predicts, while life-spans will have extended to 120 years, Dr Curry claims.

Actually, my guess is that a 120 year life span is much closer; it's possible that children born today may live about that long, and I've noticed that many people in my generation (including myself) are more than a little taller than their parents.

Reliance on antibiotics in common things such as soap will also make it increasingly harder to fight bacteria that quickly adapt.

[Vercades]

Oliver Curry should lay off the alcohol for awhile or, whatever he's smoking.

OMGOSH! Proof!

[Amiduffer]

Sounds as scientific as trying to make the arguement that the British "royal" family is descended from Jesus himself.

[Snurfen]

It is an interesting article Dan, was played on TV news a few days back too.

Originally Posted by Pi rules

Just imagine what effect certain genetic engineering tactics would do. They could increase this extremely quickly. At first, only the richest could afford to get their children "enhanced" before birth. These children grow up with superior intellect, athletic ability, etc. and enter the job market where they thrive due to their "enhancements," then do the same for their children, eventually leaving the rich on one end and the poor on the other.

Good statement Pi, but is this not just a logical progression of society evolving? The priviliged do have certain advantages (hence the group name!) which allows them to run the show.

Originally Posted by Renegade600

expects a genetic upper class and a dim-witted underclass to emerge.

You should visit Europe more often Dan, this lot have been around for aeons

[Pi rules]

The priviliged do have certain advantages (hence the group name!) which allows them to run the show.

But the superiority genetic engineering could offer would be a huge split between the rich and everyone else. Usually there are national disasters after such a large gap between rich and poor (in the US one example is the Great Depression). The wealth of one's parents should neither condemn or give such a huge advantage to an individual. Now, richer parents can afford private tutors and trainers for their children to help them, but this isn't nearly the same advantage genetic engineering would allow.

[Snurfen]

Agreed, this would be a logical next step for the current "old school tie" syndrome, as it's known over here.