• Question: If humans lived in extreme conditions, with only basic essentials, could we evolve to a tougher species; both mentally and physically? lol ;)

    Asked by amoh1309 to Alan, Damian, Emma, Liam, Luca on 17 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Alan Richardson

      Alan Richardson answered on 17 Jun 2013:

      Hi there

      Very interesting question, which we could probably talk about all day. Obviously it would depend on conditions, but as we know, humans adapt to the environment they live in. Take higher altitude residents or inuits for example they have clearly adapted to their extreme environment and live happily. If the whole world were to become more inhospitable then clearly over a long time the wider population would evolve too. Would take a long time though!!

      Alan

    • Photo: Emma Ross

      Emma Ross answered on 17 Jun 2013:

      Evolution does take a long time. But humans have shown that they are very good at adapting to the environments in which they live. If you live in very hot conditions for a long time, you get better at regulating your body temperature, and if you live with less oxygen your body gets better at transporting and using the little oxygen you do have.

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