The males of many species (lions, mountain goats, stags etc.) fight eachother to the death each year for the privilege of passing on their genes.
A peackocks with the lushest, most colorful plumage has the greatest chance of wooing a peahen. Some male birds even build nests in order to attract a female. All of these are manners of displaying genetic superiority over rivals. Why shouldn't we do the same? Adaptability is important too in the long run, but it is generally a trait shared by an entire species (such as rats), and not only by some individuals of a species.
"peackocks with the lushest, most colorful plumage has the greatest chance of wooing a peahen"
Sure, but that peacock isn't necessarily the strongest or the smartest, he's just the one with the most attractive plumage.
"displaying genetic superiority over rivals"
What is superior genetically is simply an individual who is superior at passing along their genes. The quote above isn't saying that adaptability is in and of itself the most useful skill, it's saying that, from an evolutionary perspective, that it's the only useful skill.
If circumstances make being stronger a superior trait genetically, than that is selected for. However, circumstances may in some cases select for weakness because that is the superior trait for passing along genes.
Ultimately the notion of a "superior species" beyond passing along genes is an entirely human one.
IIN to think that we are messing up natural selection?
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The males of many species (lions, mountain goats, stags etc.) fight eachother to the death each year for the privilege of passing on their genes.
A peackocks with the lushest, most colorful plumage has the greatest chance of wooing a peahen. Some male birds even build nests in order to attract a female. All of these are manners of displaying genetic superiority over rivals. Why shouldn't we do the same? Adaptability is important too in the long run, but it is generally a trait shared by an entire species (such as rats), and not only by some individuals of a species.
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seekelp
9 years ago
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"peackocks with the lushest, most colorful plumage has the greatest chance of wooing a peahen"
Sure, but that peacock isn't necessarily the strongest or the smartest, he's just the one with the most attractive plumage.
"displaying genetic superiority over rivals"
What is superior genetically is simply an individual who is superior at passing along their genes. The quote above isn't saying that adaptability is in and of itself the most useful skill, it's saying that, from an evolutionary perspective, that it's the only useful skill.
If circumstances make being stronger a superior trait genetically, than that is selected for. However, circumstances may in some cases select for weakness because that is the superior trait for passing along genes.
Ultimately the notion of a "superior species" beyond passing along genes is an entirely human one.