For my year 12 project I am looking at human evolution, my question is:

“Have humans finished evolving or will we continue to evolve in new ways and what is influencing these ways?“

Last year my sister and I were talking about project ideas and the topic of evolution came up.  I started thinking about how much humans have evolved, and it got me interested in learning more, especially in relation to how we will continue to evolve in the future.

Once I started researching future evolution, I began to realise how many ideas and theories were out there and so began my encounter with a lot of information that wasn’t really based on quality research. For example, one of my first encounters with future evolutionary patterns was with a website that made a very bold claim about humans becoming evolved to survive car crashes.

An image I saw online of a car crash evolved human called Graham and his physical characteristics are quite a few differences from current humans. For example, he has ribs that now grow around his neck, his brain is insulated with extra fluids and cord and he has a flat face so that his nose, and eyes are not damaged by impact of a car crash. He doesn’t actually look human at all!

Let’s just say after reading and seeing Graham online, I will not be looking at different versions of how humans may evolve to survive car crashes. What interests me instead is looking at the past patterns of human evolution from apes through to post-human societies and how technology and environments will impact the evolution of Homo-sapiens.

During my research I have found many interesting concepts.  One of these is the adaptation humans have made to be able to digest lactose. This adaptation consists of a specific digestive enzyme that in the past stopped being produced when humans matured, but a random mutation caused this enzyme to keep being produced and it made drinking milk possible. This enzyme is an adaptation that was successful as it gave the adapted hydration, vitamin D, and/or calcium. So over time and due to evolution, this was inherited down the line and now around 40% of the world's population can digest milk.  I found this interesting as this has resulted in genetic differences between humans that are diet related. Those of us that can digest lactose and those of us that can't. I started to look at other points of difference between us and learnt through conversations with others that a lot of people were interested, especially when it comes to how we may continue to change into the future.

One of the things I really like about my project is that I am constantly finding something to ponder; for example, the evolution of all the different blood types we have today, immunity to diseases and the multitude of variations in the physical features in humans.  I’ve started to realise as I'm looking more into human evolution, there are so many things that science does not know yet.

With that in mind, an issue I have come across is finding a mentor to help me navigate this vast topic. I’d love to connect with anyone who has experience or a passion for human evolution and how possible influences like technology and medicine may impact future humans.  Thoughts, theories and any interesting insight would be appreciated as I start to think of how to bring the practical component of my project to life. If this sounds like something you could help me with, please get in touch at monetlarson473@gmail.com.