Genetic Engineering and Human Evolution

The video explores the contrast between science fiction depictions of future humans and the reality of human evolution. It explains that while past evolutionary pressures shaped humans significantly, modern globalization has reduced isolated evolution. Although evolution continues subtly, significant changes like those imagined in sci-fi are unlikely. The video also discusses the current limitations of genetic engineering, emphasizing that influencing human evolution through technology is still many decades away.

How are humans often depicted in science fiction regarding their future evolution?

• Covered in fur

• Tall with small heads

• Slender, short, bald with big heads and eyes

• Muscular with large feet

What is a common stereotype of future humans in comic books?

• Having wings

• Being very tall

• Having big heads and eyes

• Being covered in scales

What was a major factor in human evolution when living in forests?

• Ability to swim

• Ability to fly

• Ability to use tools and navigate

• Ability to hibernate

What was a consequence for humans who were not fit to live in the forest?

• They became leaders

• They developed new skills

• They migrated to cities

• They did not survive

Why are there no more isolated evolutionary pockets like Australia?

• Because of global warming

• Due to the extinction of species

• Because of modern transportation

• Due to deforestation

What has modern transportation done to human evolution?

• It has accelerated it

• It has reversed it

• It has stopped it

• It has eliminated isolated evolution

What continues to occur every time two people mate?

• A new species is created

• Evolutionary processes

• Immediate genetic engineering

• Extinction of a species

What kind of evolution is unlikely to occur without genetic engineering?

• Micro evolution

• Gross evolution

• Cultural evolution

• Technological evolution

What is the current state of genetic engineering in terms of influencing human evolution?

• We can manipulate thousands of genes at once

• We can create entirely new species

• We can only manipulate one gene at a time

• We have no control over genes

What is a major limitation of current genetic engineering technology?

• It can only manipulate one gene at a time

• It is illegal

• It is too expensive

• It can only be applied to plants