Human Evolution - the next stage?

Human evolution did not stop with Homo sapiens. Much as we would like to think of ourselves as the pinnacle of Darwin’s theory, we are but a blip in time. It would be a big blow to some of our egos if I were to say that even a cockroach has been here longer than us. Of course, in our short time on this planet we have contributed to a lot – and not all good things. But I digress. The point is – evolution is happening. As a characteristic, it manifests itself after generations. Slowly, subtly, things are changing right under our noses, but we won’t be here to witness the change.

The basic concept of evolution is simple – a species adapts itself to changing circumstances. And circumstances are changing for Homo sapiens. It’s almost as if we are back on a tree again and we need to get down on the ground to start a new innings as Homo technicus.  Well, I’m too late to claim this name for the next level of human evolution – Galvin already claimed it in 2003.

But let’s go back to the changing circumstances. I would broadly bucket them in 3 categories:

1. Resource constraints
2. Cultural shifts
3. Technological disruptions

I still remember an example from our biology class when we were learning about evolution. According to Darwin, the long neck in giraffes evolved because there was a shortage of food on the ground and giraffes had to extend their neck to eat leaves from the trees. We today, face a shortage of food and water. By 2020, we would require two Earths to support the resource requirements of our population. We have contributed to global warming and now environmental patterns are changing. How will we evolve to meet these challenges?  The first change, which is already evident, is the change in our food habits. With more people competing for the traditional sources of food, there have been pioneers looking for new options. Insects have already emerged as a new gastronomic discipline. It is also possible that we will eat lesser. The nutrition needs of our body met by compact supplements. It is possible that our digestive system will change and adapt to this new diet.

We are also evolving culturally. Today if asked “where are you from” most of us don’t have an answer.  We are global citizens, with floating roots, not tied to any stereotypes. The races that split apart from our common ancestor due to migration are coming together again. The world is a smaller place. Intermarriages between cultures and races are giving birth to new humanity as yet unclassified. As these boundaries blur, how relevant will be nation states and governments? And can there be boundaries in a digital world? These changes need us to have a new world view.

Of course, technology is at the core of this evolution and will shape Homo technicus. Ray Kurzweil predicts that by 2050, the intelligence of one machine will be greater than the combined intelligence of humanity. Already there are those opposed to artificial intelligence because they see it something that will render human beings irrelevant. Machines taking over the world has fueled the fantasy of many a sci-fi writer. For now, machines are taking over the routine tasks leaving us free to do the thinking. But that’s changing the way we work. Skills needed in this new economy are different. The next evolution is happening inside our head. As we learn differently, process large amounts of information, work with diverse teams and apply that knowledge, the way our brains work is changing. The way we use technology to aid our thinking is also making a difference. We know a lot of things, but we remember less. When I look at my smartphone, I can only think of Dumbledore’s pensive in the Harry Potter books. It’s become a place to store what cannot fit in to my head. As we continue to depend more on technology, we may be staring at Homo technicus right in the face. Any fans of Ironman here? Or Almost Human? Maybe in the years ahead we will see a world where technology and biology will co-exist. Already nanotechnology is enabling materials that can unobtrusively augment human senses.

I think we have become complacent in our new tree. Not all of us can see these changes. And if we do, we are doing our best to ignore them. But the world is changing and a new ground awaits us. It should be a question that fascinates us – what will be the next evolution of humanity?