the human disconnection. questions does our species have the power to shape the evolution of so many...
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The Human Disconnection
Questions
Does our species have the power to shape the evolution of so many others?
Is biological evolution inseparable from cultural change?
Human Impact on the Planet and Other Life-
Forms
The greatest challenges faced by humans today is from the environments we’ve created
Human Population Growth
Humans and the Impact of Culture
Human impact on the environment increased dramatically when sedentary life developed
Increasingly exhausted nonrenewable resources
Global Climate Change
Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which traps heat
Deforestation diminishes planet’s ability to absorb excess carbon dioxide
Global Climate Change
Excess carbon dioxide contributes to acidification of the oceans
Soon reaching levels not seen in 20 million years.
Diminishing marine biodiversity and food sources
Impact on Biodiversity
Humans now the “world’s greatest evolutionary force”
History of Earth characterized by several mass extinctions
The ongoing mass extinction caused by Homo sapiens
Impact on Biodiversity
Hunting, introducing non-native species to new environments and habitat reduction
Acceleration of Evolutionary Processes
Human activities also accelerate evolutionary processes for bacteria and viruses
Use of antibiotics led to evolution of resistant strains
DDT used to reduce mosquitoes, but also proved disastrous to many bird species
Such cases make understanding evolutionary relationships essential
Looking for Solutions
Most problems faced by humans are result of our adaptive strategy gone awry
Many actions could be taken to curb the negative effects
Is There Any Good News?
Population growth has slowed
Improvements in education reduce family size and curb growth
Ecotourism represents compatibility of environmental sustainability and economic growth
Some international cooperation has begun
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