How do the achievements of modern civilization harm man as a biological species? Detailed answer

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How do the achievements of modern civilization harm man as a biological species? Detailed answer

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How do the achievements of modern civilization harm man as a biological species?

Mutations are the driving force of evolution, because, being the cause of the emergence of new traits, they help the species to better adapt to the environment. However, this statement is true only for beneficial mutations. Most mutations (at least 99 percent) are harmful, and some are even lethal.

A large number of dangerous gene variations (mutation pressure) is fraught with very unpleasant consequences, especially when you consider that the achievements of modern civilization contribute to an increase in mutation pressure.

The development of medicine and the increase in the level of social security "help" defective genes be passed on to subsequent generations: glasses compensate for visual defects, insulin helps people with diabetes survive, etc.

The alternatives—letting such people die at a young age, sterilizing them, or isolating them from healthy ones—are certainly unthinkable. Thus, humanity consciously bears the burden of mutational pressure. An interesting illustration of what has been said are the results of a study conducted by Italian geneticists and doctors in Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta).

Among the Mossi people living here, malaria is not very common, although there are enough malarial mosquitoes around. It turns out that many representatives of this tribe are carriers of a special gene that makes hemoglobin inedible for malarial plasmodium. Those people who have this gene in two copies (obtained from the father and mother) are almost 100 percent protected from malaria. Those who have a protective gene inherited from only one side, sometimes still get sick. And finally, those few Mossi who do not have a special gene at all are quite susceptible to malaria.

Researchers believe that the existing cases of malaria in Burkina Faso are largely due to the fact that it is being treated with effective modern drugs. If there was no treatment, after some time those who did not have a protective gene would simply die out.

Above, we talked about the side effects of those achievements of civilization that are aimed at the benefit of man. However, one cannot remain silent about the fact that a person exposes himself (much less justifiably) to completely unnecessary exposure to radiation, which sharply increases the frequency of mutations.

We use X-rays extensively in medicine, stockpile radioactive materials, and recklessly conduct a large number of nuclear tests.

Author: Kondrashov A.P.

Random interesting fact from the Great Encyclopedia:

In which English city is every elected mayor publicly weighed, and why?

In the English town of High Wycombe, each elected mayor is weighed in on the town square. This tradition dates back to 1678, when the residents decided to put an end to the behavior of mayors who stole money from the treasury, after which they got fat from a satisfying life. After a year of service, the mayor is weighed again, and the herald shouts "More!" or "Not added!". In the old days, the townspeople, having heard about weight gain, could boo the mayor and throw rotten eggs, now this part of the tradition has been canceled.

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