With the development of biotechnology, we need to think about whether we will remain Homo sapiens or whether a new species will emerge and change the direction of our evolution. Biotechnology can bring great benefits to humanity, but we must also carefully consider the ethical issues and side effects of the technology.
Humanity has gradually evolved into more advanced forms, starting with Australopithecus about 4 million years ago. During this time, the Earth’s environment has been constantly changing, and different forms of humans have emerged and died out. In the midst of this evolutionary process, Homo sapiens, the direct ancestor of modern humans, emerged about 70,000 years ago. Homo sapiens survived by adapting to the challenges of nature, and today we are the most intelligent creatures in the world, the creators of all things.
But can we continue to be Homo sapiens in the future? It’s hard to answer this question with a definitive yes. In the past, our evolution was primarily driven by natural selection, a phenomenon in which species that are more adaptable to a particular environment have a better chance of survival. Humans have been no exception, evolving in response to the changes and challenges of nature. However, the Agricultural Revolution, which began about 10,000 years ago, drastically altered this system of natural selection.
For example, humans realized that by crossing plump hens with lanky roosters, they could get offspring with desired traits. This disruption has since accelerated, and with the advent of biotechnology and genetic manipulation, humans are gradually replacing natural selection with intelligent design, such as creating cloned sheep. This phenomenon is expected to continue into the future, and the pace will only accelerate. It’s not hard to imagine what humanity will look like in the future.
Biotechnology, in particular, is becoming an important factor in determining the future of humanity. Biotechnology is the science of intentional human intervention at the biological level to modify living organisms. For example, scientists have successfully created ears on the backs of mice by implanting bovine cartilage into the backs of mice. These experiments have gone beyond satisfying scientific curiosity to actually restoring extinct species or modifying organisms to benefit humans. Biotechnology has the potential to maximize our intellect and immunity, and to create a new human race.
However, this challenge to humanity is not without its opposition. Ethical and political issues can be significant obstacles to the development of biotechnology. Every human being has the right to live according to their own will, and if we create modified humans for our own convenience, their dignity could be seriously compromised. In addition, many animals are sacrificed in the process of developing new drugs to extend human life, which raises serious ethical controversies. Society can become conflicted and divided as certain political groups capitalize on these issues to advance their positions.
Nevertheless, this backlash can be mitigated if the benefits of biotechnological advances to humanity are outweighed. For example, if a breakthrough treatment is developed for cancer, a disease that has plagued humanity for a long time, who could be against it? If public opinion in favor of biotechnology increases, scientists could manipulate our chromosomes and genes to create humans with superior memory and cognitive abilities, and shorten our telomeres to significantly extend our lifespan. They could also create humans whose emotions are controlled to respond appropriately in certain situations.
However, the consequences of these changes cannot be explained by mere technological advances. Would a human being created in this way still be called Homo sapiens? What will we lose in the process of creating a new species?
So far, we’ve seen how the development of biotechnology could change or even eliminate Homo sapiens. Technological advances can be a great help in making our lives more comfortable. However, we can’t ignore the negative effects of technology. For example, if a new species with superior abilities emerges, humans with lesser abilities are likely to be marginalized from society. In addition, the new species may build their own society differently from the current human intentions, which could lead to unexpected conflicts.
Therefore, we need to think carefully about this issue. Only by reaping the benefits of technological advancement while fully recognizing and preparing for its possible side effects will humanity be able to move toward a sustainable future.
