Although many people believe human evolution is no longer happening, many scientists assume it is still occurring. They believe adaptations in genes due to cultural shifts, migration, and random events continue to shape and change the human genome.

However, the question of what future humans will look like, perhaps in 50,000 years, is admittedly clearly speculative. "In some rare cases, we can observe evolution in action, but over a time span of tens or hundreds of years, it is mostly guesswork. We can make somewhat qualified guesses, but the predictive power is low, so think of it as thought experiments more than anything else," said Thomas Mailund, an associate professor at Aarhus University in Denmark.

Many secular scientists don’t think 50,000 years is nearly enough time for dramatic changes in human appearance to occur, dramatic changes such as growing wings or gills, although minor changes may be observable. However, Jason Hodgson, an anthropologist and evolutionary geneticist at Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom, thinks that time span is “an extremely long time” in that it represents more than 1,667 human generations.

Hodgson says 50,000 years or even just 10,000 years was enough time for all the variation in humans such a skin color, hair color, etc. to have occurred. What about the immediate future? He predicts global populations will become more homogenous as to genetics and phenotype (a person’s observable traits) as people groups intermarry.

In the past people tended to stick with those who were similar to themselves. Hodgson says, "However, admixture—mating between distantly related groups—is increasing, and this will result in less structure and a more homogenous global population. As an analogy, if you stick a bunch of poodles, rottweilers, chihuahuas and St. Bernards on an island and let them breed randomly, within a few generations everything would be a medium sized brown dog."

Although what humans will look like in the future is uncertain, as technology evolves it is possible humans will direct our own “evolution.” Gene editing tools such as CRISPR aided by artificial intelligence could be the key.

Hodgson adds, "I suspect that things like appearance will largely be up to our own choice by this time. Technologies like CRISPR, or technologies not yet invented, will allow us to choose many things about our appearance. I can even imagine that our appearance might change through the generations in the way that fashions change now."

Comments: It certainly seems possible that if the world lasts long enough, humans may begin to look more and more like each other if admixture happens on a large scale. However, at present, many of us tend to stick with those who have similar appearances, beliefs and habits.

Researcher Hodgson admits that gene altering techniques may run up against opposition. He says, “Applying genetic techniques to humans that alter phenotypes is highly controversial and ethically fraught. Indeed, 20th century eugenicists thought they could improve the human species by only allowing the 'right' people to breed.”

It is interesting that modern scientists apparently don’t have enough faith in evolution to allow natural selection and mutations to create a better human in the future. They want to use controversial gene editing techniques to speed up the process.

Yet, these researchers don’t seem to be considering another force which is working against any improvement in the human genome–that force known as genetic entropy. Genetic entropy is the universal tendency for things to run down and fall apart. In living things, this is due to harmful mutations. If scientists want to improve the human race, they should be focusing on stopping dangerous mutations from happening, if that were possible. 

Minor variations in humans as in other species do occur, but we will never evolve wings or gills. Such major changes are impossible genetically, and there is no clear evidence in the fossil record that such a thing has ever taken place. The missing links are still missing.

If we are hoping for a better human in the future, that wish indeed will be fulfilled, at least for followers of Jesus Christ. Those who have confessed their sins and come to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation know perfection awaits us in heaven. No gene editing needed.

“But our citizenship is in heaven. We are eagerly waiting for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. By the power that enables him to subject all things to himself, he will transform our humble bodies to be like his glorious body.”  Philippians 3:20-21

By Warren Krug

Reference: Aristos Georgiou, “Evolution: What Will Humans Look Like in 50,000 Years?” Newsweek [December, 2024].

PRINT

HOME

**************************************

Want to be automatically notified each time there is a new post? Just email your request to wkrug@lutheranscience.org.

****************************************

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What are some exercises that can help make bones stronger?

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends a combination of weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking or dancing, strength training with resistance bands or weight machines, and balance training.

Source: “On Your Mind,” Consumer Reports (January, 2025), page 12.

****************************************