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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hold your breath underwater for more than 10 minutes? For the Bajau people of Southeast Asia, this isn't just a feat of endurance; it's a way of life. But how do they do it? The answer lies not just in years of training, but in a fascinating example of recent human evolution.
The Bajau people have a unique ability to dive down more than 60 meters to catch fish, holding their breath for extended periods. This extraordinary talent isn't merely a product of practice; it's rooted in a genetic change. Their spleens, which act as an oxygen reservoir by storing red blood cells, are up to 50% larger than those of most people. This physiological adaptation allows them to carry more oxygen between breaths, making their superhuman breath-holding possible.
This raises a fundamental question: Are humans still evolving? With advancements in medicine, sanitation, and technology, we've created a world where survival isn't as dependent on natural selection as it once was. So, have we bypassed that great filter of natural selection?
Natural selection isn't the only force driving evolution. Genetic drift, a random process, can also cause genes to become more common in a population. For example, the Bajau's genetic adaptation likely occurred due to a random genetic mutation that conferred a survival advantage in their environment.
But what about the rest of us? Have we stopped evolving? The answer is complex. While our inventions have reduced the impact of natural selection, the process of genetic drift continues to shape our species. Additionally, our increased mobility and mixing of populations have decreased genetic differences between groups.
The future of human evolution is uncertain. Our reliance on technology and the potential for genetic engineering offer new pathways for evolution that no other species can take. We may soon have the ability to select specific genes for our offspring, influencing the traits that become more common in our species.
In a world where change is constant, one thing is clear: human evolution is far from over. While natural selection may play a less significant role, other processes like genetic drift and the potential for directed genetic changes will continue to shape us. The Bajau people's super spleens are a testament to our adaptability and the incredible potential of human evolution. Stay curious, and remember, evolution is a journey that never stops.
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