There is a lot of talk going around relating to the evolution of Man. I hear references to how much we have evolved; discussions abouit what we will evolve into, etc. Yet with all this talk, I fail to see any real proof of evolution. It seems to me that we stopped evolving in any discernable way eons ago. Instead of changing to suit our environment, we have learned to alter the environment to suit ourselves, rendering evolution unecessary.
Seems clever at first glance, doesn't it? But what have we actually accomplished in the long run? Better prenatal and geriatric care; higher survival rates for premature babies and those with handicaps; better treatment and cures for diseases; all these things have greatly increased our survival rate and longevity. We are more prolific and successful breeders than ever before. The natural consequence of this is that we need more and more environment changed to accomodate us every year.
Because of this we are hastening the extinction of hundreds of species. We are altering their natural habitats too rapidly for them to evolve naturally. The only types of natural life not affected by this are those that are already considered vermin. Mice, rats, pigeons, roaches, flies and other pests are also rapid breeders, and because of this, can evolve as rapidly as we can change conditions for them. Nature has provided them with these qualities for a reason. In the natural order of things, vermin provide food for the thousands of predators that existed in the chain.
Unfortunately, many of these predators are gone, or are finding it difficult to breed in the habitat we have provided for ourselves. As a result, vermin, like Man, are establishing ever larger populations, and a firmer foothold on the earth. It gets easier and easier to picture a world where the only "wildlife" our progeny will experience will be of a verminous nature.
This would be a viable future if we were vermin eaters ourselves, but since few of us can consider this prospect without wincing and feeling vaguely naseaus, it is highly improbable that we will be able to keep vermin under any real control. How many of us could sit down to a dinner of roast rat, mouse tarts or deep fried roaches with any kind of relish? Too few, I suspect.
This leaves us with only one alternative. Since man has chosen not to evolve, and will continue to insist that the habitat change accordlingly, it is essential that we learn to control our numbers. By lowering our population, we will lower our need for artificial habitat and resources. We will then be able to return more of the earth to the environment it was meant to maintain, leaving more habitat for other predators...those who prefer vermin for breakfast.