The Human Contribution

A classmates of mine (jeremy paquette) intelligently suggested that although we might blame the human race for many environental and ecological mishaps that may affect or somewhat destroy the fitness of the earth and its ability to support life, we might just be contriubting to the ever present concept of evolution. Pollution, global warming, research on animals, having a preferance as to what animals to eat, selecting a female partner and etc are all human activities that are comparable to other animals who prefer a certain food source to others, display a trend to mate with others outside their group (allopatric speciation) etc. The bottom line is we all; human and non-humans animals alike, are part of this earth and whatever we do might after all be just a matter of natural selection which in turn increases our fitness (the ability to survive from generation to generation) and consequently our contribution to evolution. When a deer from the savoy state forest decides to mate with another from North Adams, it does that to increase its genetic variations and in so doing, its fitness. Humans on the other hand do the same-that why the normal, average human being will mate with someone genetically different from them (outside the family). These activities are just natural to animals and are our contribuion to the evolution process. I make the same argument for technology as well, especially the research on animals. I do in no way condone the suffering and pain we might inflict on animals during research but i do say doing research into the gene that causes a strain of CMT is as important and similar to peahens prefering peacocks with bigger, brighter tails ( a representation of their healthy status and good genes). If due to research we can succesfully block the gene that causes the genetic form of CMT, without any aftermath, then we can possible have a couple with the blocked out gene pass it on to their children who intend pass it on and in due time have a sizeable population with no HSP27 gene thus eradicating the possibility of CMT. So although i think research could be at times cruel, i think it is just our contribution to the natural order of things, in the same manner by which gray wolves (Canis lupis) tend to mate with domestic dogs (Canis familiaris)- a possibilty of giving the respective specie a better chance or survival, thus shouldn't be judged at least on a moral basis for its intent but rather for the manner in which the intent is fulfilled!