Comment by mlhpdx
12 hours ago
Shorter lifespans drive faster evolution. That was taught in basic biology and we, as a society, know it all too well (infectious diseases).
It’s difficult to square obsession with a long life with a healthy humanity.
12 hours ago
Shorter lifespans drive faster evolution. That was taught in basic biology and we, as a society, know it all too well (infectious diseases).
It’s difficult to square obsession with a long life with a healthy humanity.
Faster evolution does not necessarily translate to better outcomes. Exhibit A: the respiratory capabilities of the brachycephalic pug. Exhibit B: the rabbit fear response – they can get so terrified that they break their own spines trying to escape. Exhibit C: every creature with a hybrid r/K reproductive strategy involving child- or sibling-cannibalism.
> Faster evolution does not necessarily translate to better outcomes.
For individuals, of course yes. But for populations? Also yes, but temporarily as dead-ends (A), or inconsequential stopovers (B), or distasteful (C).