My sister had a cat that died at age 27.

In humans our genes seem to 'think' 40 years is more than aplenty in which to grow up, be fruitful and multiply. After which the spine begins to fuse, the eyes lose their close vision, arteries clog, tumors grow, and menopause ensues.

Physically we are set up to start having children at age 12 or so and to be be vigorous and healthy for another 12 years, say, until our children are old enough to start having their children.

Along similar lines, a physical anthropology teacher once told me that because humans now control their environment, instead of vice-versa, evolution via natural selection had effectively come to a stop in humans. I can see that to a point, but when I pressed him about continuing evolution in humans via *social* selection he shied off.

Heh, heh, looking back now, I see I was probably a bit of a challenge and embarrasment for him. I remember asking this professor in class why humans have pubic hair.

t.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/24/2005 08:53AM by teacup.