A number of features of human anatomy and physiology are the result of adaptatio

Question

A number of features of human anatomy and physiology are the result of adaptations to conditions in which humans first evolved. Some of these conditions are very different from conditions that most humans face today. What are some examples of anatomical adaptations that might be explained by the environment and diet of early humans? In what ways are the current environmental conditions of humans different from those in which we evolved? How might our anatomy and/or physiology be maladaptive for current conditions?

Explanation / Answer

Anatomical Adaptations of early humans:

In what ways are the current environmental conditions of humans different from those in which we evolved?

Early humans had evolved in an environment where everything in climate had a direct impact on humans. We used to roam around distant places in search of food, we used to prey other animals and used to eat them. We used to cover our bodies with leaves. And used to survive in direct contact of sunlight water air because we did not used to make houses that time. We were protecting ourselves with animals by jumping on trees or by fighting against them with our weapons that we used to make with stones, wood and bones

Today we are more organized civilized much advanced in terms of living. We can protect ourselves from harmful effects of Environment. We can control other animals as well.

How might our anatomy and/or physiology be maladaptive for current conditions?

Currently our environment has changed unexpectedly in terms of green house effect, and pollution. The air we breathe, the water we take in may not be well suited for our health, causing serious health hazards. Due to lot of noise pollution and longer working hours, today we have become intolerant and irritable in behaviors. The food we eat is always in hurry and is mostly junk food adversely affecting us. So all the outer conditions are affecting our anatomy and physiology adversely. Result is just before us in form of many diseases like High BP, high cholestrol, lower vision, asthama, lower density in bones,diabetes and many other body problems.

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