Evolution

1
Evolution Mon, Wed Fri 200 250
pm Spring Semester 2006
2
Evolution 1 2006 Spring
Future outlook

• Eugenics
• Gene technology
• Cloning

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Evolution 2 2006 Spring
Eugenics
-gt suggestion to improve human genetic
material Is that a good thing?
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Evolution 3 2006 Spring
Eugenics

• Contra
• Racism, prejudice, social stigma
• Pro
• - attempt to decrease human suffering

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Evolution 4 2006 Spring
Eugenics
Negative Eugenics -gt Attempt to decrease the
frequency of harmful genes -gt diminish
genetic disorders Positive Eugenics -gt Attempt
to increase the frequency of beneficial
genes -gt breed for intelligence, health and
longevity
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Evolution 5 2006 Spring
Eugenics
How can this be done? a) discouraging the
reproduction of deleterious genotypes
(genetic counseling) b) germinal choice,
eutelegenesis females choose sperm from
outstanding donors at sperm banks (up to
10.000 newborns/year in USA)
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Evolution 6 2006 Spring
Eugenics
How can this be done? c) genetic engineering
modification to DNA after birth d)
parthenogenesis (for females with desirable
traits)
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Evolution 15 2006 Spring
Cloning
Some problems -gt cloned individuals are by
no means the same as the donor -gt cloned
individuals dont grow as old as the
donor
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Evolution 16 2006 Spring
Future outlook
Humans are not only subject to natural
selection but through conscious choices we -gt
are also co-authors of evolution -gt take on
great responsibility for our own destiny
and the destiny of all other organisms on
Earth