Throughout our thousands of years on Earth, humans have continually evolved. Our bodies, minds and features are quite different than our ancient ancestors.
Sometimes this change takes centuries. Sometimes, just a few decades.
So what will the next human evolutions be?
What will change about our bodies in order to meet the challenges of the future?
Assuming there is one.
I have no scientific basis for these 5 ideas. They're just my observation and uneducated guess.
So, if you don't believe that we were created, as is, by some omnipotent being, you might find this interesting...
5 possible human evolutions of the human body
#1 Thinner Thumbs
Observation:The second I got my iPhone I realize my thumbs are to fat and bulky to really master the keyboard. My thumbs need to adapt.
Adaptation:Technology is evolving and getting smaller. Our hands and fingers will have to adjust in order to be able to use this technology more effectively.
Evolution: Thinner thumbs will have an advantage an become the dominate trait.
For example: What I need is for my thumbs to be more like my pinkie. Pinkies are small and can easily navigate tinier technology. I don't think pinkies will replace thumbs, I think people with thinner, longer thumbs will have the dominant trait. This will become more of the norm.
#2 Improved vision
Observation: We seem to spend more and more of our days looking at brighter, more intense, more precise images. Electronic screens, computers, HDTVs, mobile phones, etc. These devices require sharper focus and concentration. I think they are weakening our eyes.
Adaptation: Better eyesight.
Evolution: Over time our eyes will become sharper and more focused. 20/20 is the norm today. That will change to 20/15 and 20/10. Not only will this help us see better from further away, it'll help us see sharper, closer.
#3 Larger/Smaller Ear Canal
Observation: Earbuds. Bluetooth headsets. Hearing aids. We're putting a lot more things in our ears these days. Even though our ears and ear canals are different sizes, these devices are mostly one size fits all.
Adaptation: More uniform ear canal openings.
Evolution: Manufacturers will continue to make adjustments to their ear devices so that they fit in our ears more comfortably. At the same time our ears canals could shrink or enlarge (depending on if you've got a smaller one or larger one) to allow these devices to fit more easily and comfortably in the ear. They'll still be people with big and little ears, but the inner ear could be a more standard size.
#4 Skin pockets
Observation: The earth is getting warmer. Clothing is becoming lighter, breathable and less bulky. Future generations may need less clothes to get by.
Adaption: Our skin will develop pockets. Skin Pockets!
Evolution: Imagine pants pockets inside your body. Maybe on your hips and built into your skin similar to wear your front jeans pockets are. So you won't need clothing or pocketbooks as much.
Gross, but very convenient.
#5 Tinted eyes
Observation: The sun is bright. UV rays are harmful. Sunglasses help mask the problem but aren't a full-time solution.
Adaptation: Your eyes tint naturally.
Evolution: Over time our eyes will become progressive lenses. They'll darkened and lighten based on the natural light and brightness around you. Your eyes become natural sunglasses, if you will.
Thinner thumbs. Eye tinting. Skin pockets. That's my guesses. What's yours? Leave a comment. And while you're thinking check out the evolution of the "Evolution of Man."
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I believe that our bodies will no longer grow hair in two places: underarms and genitals. I have no basis for this, I just think it would be awesome if we didn't have to shave them.
Creepiest post ever. Good work Baier. :)
Thank you. the idea of "Skin Pockets" def creeps me out.
Skin pockets are a great idea, but just like regular pockets would collect lint, crumbs, old gum wrappers, toothpicks, and bacteria. Add a little moisture and this could become the breeding ground for the next round of global flu strains.
I'd actually like to see what some may regard as de-evolution. I'd like to have my prehensile tail back, just like from a Spider Monkey. To have another appendage that could reach around and grab things would be awesome! I'm sure the fashion industry could be adapted to accommodate a furry tail sticking out of our butt regions.
This post actually represents a misunderstanding of evolution.
Just because something would be more useful, it doesnt follow we will evolve towards that. For example, there's nothing suggesting that just because uniform ear canals would be helpful, that somehow people with uniform ear canals today are more likely to reproduce and put forth their genes.
I dont see a reason to believe people with thinner, more agile thumbs are more likely to reproduce. If anything, humanity is in the midst of de-evolving. For the most part- lower class, less educated people are FAR more likely to pass on their genes.
Lastly, even if it were true that we were evolving to accomodate technology, evolution takes far too long for this to be practice. For example, over the million years it would take to evolve better thumbs, there's no way we'd still be using technology that has small keyboards. Even if it only took 1000 years to evolve, which is impossible, the technology would still be outdated.
kudos for creative ideas, but still not entirely correct.