How to Design a Better Human
How Evolution Has Left The Body Riddled With Flaws
An engineer, when asked to design a completely new type of computer, begins with a blank sheet of paper. It would be highly inefficient to take an old, out-of-date computer, and change various components to fit the circumstances. Such a computer, if analysed, would be full of old parts with new part attached, pieces rearranged, and new wires inserted. It would be a quick-fix. This is exactly how the human body is structured.
The Human Eye's Blind spot
The human-eye is an excellent tool for viewing the world, but it is far from perfect. The optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibres that transit electrical signals to the brain, is attached to the eye via the retina. This creates a blind spot - a whole patch in human vision where nothing can be seen. If a camera engineer designed such a device, they would soon be out of a job.
The Human Body's Tangled intestines
Before human ancestors walked upright, the pressures upon internal organs were very different. An animal that walks on all fours has the internal organs hanging from the spine. This prevents organs such as the large and the small intestines from getting tangled up. Turn that animal upright, and suddenly the organs are sat on top of each other. This can lead to conditions in humans where severe problems with the gut can develop.
The Structure of The Human Brain
A city, when viewed from above, tends to have the oldest buildings in the centre, with more modern buildings at an increasing radius. This is because the city began life in the past as a small village, then grew into a town, and eventually into a city. Clearly much reconstruction occurs, but it is far easier to alter large parts of the outer areas where space is available, than in the established and cramped interior.
The human brain is no different. The internal core of the brain control basic, primitive functions, such as balance and breathing. It is similar in structure to a reptilian brain, and is referred to as the 'R-complex'. The next layer is thought to have evolved later, and is known as the 'limbic system'. It is found in primitive mammals, and controls instincts and emotions. Finally, there is the neocortex, which gives higher mammals reasoning and communication skills.
Other Evolutionary Relics and Trade-offs
Human beings have an appendix, wisdom teeth, fragile wrists, and are prone to choking and back ache. These and many other flaws are historical relics and structural trade-offs that evolution has failed to improve.
The reason for this failure is simple. Evolution is driven by survival and reproduction. If such flaws do not stop an organism from reaching breeding age and reproducing, then they are considered by nature as irrelevant. Any future pain and discomfort for the parent is not 'noticed' by natural selection. This is why many illnesses, diseases and conditions emerge in later life.
The human body is a walking historical record, containing the effects of all evolutionary twists and turns, both good and bad. Perhaps in the 21st century, with the rapid development of genetic engineering, nature's flaws will be removed, and mankind can design and better human.
Further Reading
- Linden, David J., Accidental Mind: How Brain Evolution Has Given Us Love, Memory, Dreams, and God. Harvard University Press; 1 edition (31 Oct 2008)
- Nesse, Randolph M. & Williams, George C. Why We Get Sick: the New Science of Darwinian Medicine. Times Books (1 Oct 1995).
The Human Body Is Riddled With Flaws
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