Re: Earth's Carrying Capacity

From: Pete Lynn (pete_at_peterlynnkites.com)
Date: 08/19/04


Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2004 19:11:12 +1200


"Keith F. Lynch" <kfl@KeithLynch.net> wrote in message
news:cg15gu$770$1@panix3.panix.com...
>
> Evolution is selecting for people for whom standard methods of
> contraception don't work. In a few centuries, we may be left with
> no effective means of birth control.
> --

I doubt it. Greater control of birth timing, might actually be an
evolutionary advantage. For example, menstruation tends to stop when
women get too skinny, a naturally evolved and advantageous
contraceptive.

I expect human evolution to now select for birth rates that depend less
on *accidents* and depend more on planned pregnancies, which it theory
might be more advantageous. Human fertility is no longer primarily
constrained by available food supply, it is no longer optimal to become
pregnant whenever possible.

Pete.



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