Human Social Evolution and Animal Exploitation through Artificial Selection

Samenvatting

Examines the impact of human social evolution on the development of other species. Working from the neo-Darwinian view of evolution, the idea that humans have in effect functioned as a "chance" element in the evolution of particular species is explored. It is suggested that the manner in which the human species itself has evolved in time, also through natural selection and chance, has played a decisive role in the evolution of other animals. It is considered how human evolutionary success, cultural development, and expansion into new environmental realms led to fundamental changes in the relationship between species. Furthermore, the increasing differentiation between humans and other animals is highlighted, focusing on the domestication process and how human beings have consistently exercised their influence on the genetic development of other species. The discussion considers a relatively short period of time -- which is brief at least in terms of both evolution and human history -- extending from the earliest and most significant cultural innovations made by human ancestors to the present-day genetic manipulation of other species. 54 References. Adapted from the source document.