Popular academic writing’s claim that evolution is no longer relevant to humans because we have become so dependent on aspects of society such as technology and culture, that cultural adaptation has replaced biological adaptation (Dyson, 2007; Ward, 2001). Typically claimed, this means today, society plays an important role in compelling the further development of our species. However, times are considerably different now than how they were a while ago. Today, the average person’s exposure to environmental pressures is totaled up to stairs in need of baby proofing, environmental toxins, and microorganisms. For some of us, even with knowledgeable insight into the harshly unforgiving conditions that were mitigated throughout the millenniums, such a disparity in lifestyles is difficult to comprehend; To imagine uneasiness sparked by the state of hunger, the persistent beckoning of death at every hunt for satiation, or the one and only permissible goal of life simply to prolong it for another couple of hours is far from our reach. At least, such a cavity in comprehension is accurate for those of us that operate in the most illuminated parts of society. Those who do not, function in what is today 's most plausible peril, dysfunction. Traditionally we tend to focus on the negative facets of dysfunction which is why most people 's perspective of it is generally deleterious (Devine, K. A. et al, 2016). In truth, anyone who has gazed upon it, been exposed to it, in its proximity, or
The third part to the human dilemma is that all nonhuman species have evolved to survive their physical habitats, and the human species originally evolved to do this as well. However, human beings have altered the world more in the last ten thousand years, than the ancestors did in the first four million years. We have changed the environment to fit our needs, instead of changing our needs to fit the environment. Most importantly, humans have built entirely new environments, such as farms, villages, cities and towns. The cycling pattern of human expansion and creations has changed the human race from small groups of hunters and gatherers, into a very complex civilization.
Civilization began with agriculture, and agriculture continues to be an integral part of our lives. Civilization brought knowledge, knowledge brought technology, and technology brought chemicals and pesticides to “improve” our world. “The Obligation to Endure” is an excerpt from Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” a passionate and masterful work on the results of civilization’s efforts to control pests and insects. These effects include destruction of the environment, alteration of gene structures in plants and animals, water contamination, and an upset of nature’s delicate balance. This article is an impassioned plea to the world to
In her essay “The Obligation to Endure”, Rachel Carson alerts the public to the dangers of modern industrial pollution. She writes about the harmful consequences of lethal materials being released into the environment. She uses horrifying evidence, a passionate tone, audience, and the overall structure of her essay to express to her readers that the pollution created by man wounds the earth. There are many different ways that pollution can harm the environment, from the nuclear explosions discharging toxic chemicals into the air, to the venomous pesticides sprayed on plants that kills vegetation and sickens cattle. The adjustments to these chemicals would take generations. Rachel
From the early prehistoric society until now, we often heard the word “adaptation”, which means the process of changing something or changing our behavior to deal with new situations. The ways people adjust their natural environment varies according to time, place, and tribe. Foraging is common way of adaptation that people uses for most of human history; however because of the population pressure, some people adopt agriculture to fulfill their need. This essay, will discuss the positive and negative aspects of life in hunting and gathering societies compared to the agricultural societies based on Martin Harris’ article “Murders in Eden” and Jared Diamond’s article “The Worst Mistake in the History of Human Race.”
“What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger” (p. 28). In the scientific novel Survival of the Sickest by Sharon Moalem with Jonathan Prince, self-acclaimed “Medical Maverick” Dr. Moalem makes in-depth analyses of current human diseases that, ironically, may have led to the survival of mankind in the past. He presents a novel concept that greatly contradicts what have been universally accepted beliefs surrounding biology and the process of human evolution for a long time. With the use of myriad scientific studies and research, he formulates surprising theories about a positive correlation between disease and humanity. Moalem narrates the scientific world’s findings that strongly exemplify his assertions, however arbitrary they may seem at first. Three of the diseases that he examines, hemochromatosis, Type 1 diabetes, and favism, could have been particularly useful for resistance against other illnesses and survival in a historically harsh environment.
D’Souza also disagrees with Silver stating that “problem arises when people seek to use enhancement technologies to shape the destiny of others, and especially their children.” This represents a fundamental attack on the value of human life and the core principal of America. (821)
This is evident in how the film frames health issues, framing them from a social and environmental perspective. With an ecological model in mind, the film shows that interactions from individuals, to society, to environment can impact health. Furthermore, it shows how ecological and environmental factors can intrinsically be health determinants.
Dr. Sharon Moalem, the author of Survival of the Sickest, provides a fascinating glimpse into the idea that modern human diseases that afflict us actually have a significant role in the selection and the existence of our ancestors. Before reading this book, I was used to thinking of diseases as disorders that adversely affect a person. While this may be the case for most individuals, Moalem explained in his book that that there’s an underlying connection between various diseases and longevity of a species. He explained how these diseases helped fight against more life threatening situations such as the Bubonic Plague, malaria, and the ice age. Most importantly, I learned that evolution did not necessarily favor adaptations that make us better, but those that help us survive, even if these adaptations would kill us in the long run.
Technological advancement has often outperformed scientific knowledge associated with the causes that determine health. Increasing complications in social organization increase the possibilities by which multiple agents can disturb health, including factors such as those that risk physical health like venomous chemicals or radiation, restricted access to sanitary and pure natural resources, and the infinite amalgamation of them all. Decisions taken in areas apparently detached from health frequently have the prospect to have an impact on people’s health in either positive or negative manner due to a large number of links and connections in modern life. Health is an area comprised of highly intricate systems, which can be accidentally
Everyday people all over the world try to improve the qualities of their lives. Nonetheless, they forget that what they do can have severe harms and damages on the environment and other organisms. In the excerpt “A Fable for Tomorrow” from the book Silent Spring, Rachel Carson describes the disastrous and horrific effects of pesticides on the environment and animals of the town. In the essay “Our Animal Rites” by Anna Quindlen, she shows the inhumanity of animal hunting by human. Furthermore, she argues how human migration is destroying the natural habitats that belong to the animals. In the excerpt “Reading the River” from the autobiographical book Life on Mississippi, Mark Twain describes how he loses the ability to perceive the
Many cultures feel strongly that what happens to them, or their destiny comes from their environment. Giger and Davidhizar’s model states that “Americans believe they control nature to meet their needs and are more likely to seek healthcare when needed” (Giger & Davidhizar 2002). This is not the same in every culture, as some believe that the environment chooses what happens to them based on what they have done in their lives.
Abstract evolution has occurred in humans for millions of years; however, in a modern society many scientists and evolutionists are now debating whether or not it is still occurring, and if it follows the same rules. With all of the new technology humans have created, some experts believe that humans have essentially conquered nature, and no further evolutionary changes will occur. Still, others hold opposing views; some experts believe that evolution is still occurring, but modern societal advancements have changed the rules. These experts say that the changes in evolution are a result of recent medical advancements that allow doctors to perpetuate genes that would not have lasted years ago. Additionally, others maintain that evolution is
“Healthy individuals cannot survive when society is sick.” On the other hand, aspects of social structure influence health and illness. Social factors not only affect life expectancy, but the possibilities the one will experience diseases and in turn, the health care that they will receive.
Garreau, Joel. Radical Evolution: The Promise and Peril of Enhancing Our Minds, Our Bodies- and What It Means to Be Human. New York: Random House, 2005. Print.
Staying socially aware of what is currently going on in your society is a key task that helps build the very fabric of this economy. Human’s constant eagerness to stay socially aware throughout the years of pastime wars and of the ever-changing economy has made the world what it is today. If humans in the past had not been so politically and socially aware of what was going on in their country and if we did not have that desire to want to know what is currently going on in the world, then the abundance of news and headlines we receive from the media each day would not exist. Our constant want to know and our desire to stay socially aware has built the very foundation of the world news and the media. If there were no world news, social media, newspapers, and magazine corporations, citizens would not have any source of knowing what is currently going on around them. It is a blessing on how fairly simple it is to find out what is going on in the outside world. I believe it is crucially important to stay politically and socially aware of your economy and society, because it deals heavily with the means of improvements and adjustments that should be made within the country annually. Our social awareness helps keep our society and culture running. Humans need to have that sensible foundation of what current state their country is in so that we are all not walking through this world aimlessly, not knowing a single thing about what is going on in your nation.