Two Human Species?

Science fiction meets science fact (or at least scientific theory) in a recent study on human evolution conducted for the Bravo TV channel. Evolutionary theorist Oliver Curry of the London School of Economics predicts humans will eventually evolve into two distinct sub-species: a superior genetic ruling class whose members will be physically attractive and intelligent and a dim-witted, squat "goblin-like" underclass. First, about a thousand years from now, humans will come to average 6 to 7 feet in height and live for 120 years. By the year 3000, Curry postulates the human race will reach its evolutionary peak. Selective sexual partnering based on physical and mental characteristics will lead to the division of the human race. Curry states furthermore that racial differences will not play a factor in devolution since racial characteristics will be eliminated due to interbreeding, producing a "uniform race of coffee colored people."

Contemporary men obsessed with the size (or lack thereof) of their reproductive equipment can rest easy with the knowledge that, in the future, men will possess larger penises, as well as square jaws, deeper voices and symmetrical facial features. Women will develop "smooth, hairless skin, large clear eyes, pert breasts, glossy hair and even features."

Curry goes on to delineate the decline of the human race, citing over-reliance on technology as a critical factor that will ultimately contribute to the loss of essential social skills and basic human emotions such as love, trust and empathy. Future humans "could come to resemble domesticated animals" (anyone familiar with the "theory" that so-called grey aliens are humans from the future who have lost their emotions due to unchecked scientific progress could have told you that).

While the BBC article linked to above presents Curry's theories in an even-handed, respectful manner, I prefer this report from the Daily Mail. Illustrated with stills from both film adaptations of The Time Machine, the article really drives home the obvious parallels with H. G. Wells' classic science fiction novel.

I can't wait to see the backlash over Curry's work.