[ShadowAce]

Why would the process stop?

Because the theory of evolution actually says that only failures evolve. Why would a successful fish crawl up onto land? Why would a successful monkey leave the trees that make up his home? The failures are driven out of their eco-systems and forced to adapt to new ones.

We are thus the product of millions of years of failure--not success.

[jlogajan]

Because the theory of evolution actually says that only failures evolve.

No, evolution is chance mutation and natural selection. Mutation can produce variations in abilities. Competition can sort out variations -- who gets the food, who gets the mate, who avoids being eaten before he can reproduce.

[Dimensio]

Why would a successful fish crawl up onto land? Why would a successful monkey leave the trees that make up his home?

Alterations in an environment can make traits that previously inhibited survival into essential functions of the organism.

[Smittie]

Because the theory of evolution actually says that only failures evolve. Why would a successful fish crawl up onto land? Why would a successful monkey leave the trees that make up his home? The failures are driven out of their eco-systems and forced to adapt to new ones. We are thus the product of millions of years of failure--not success.

So we're actually devolving. Monkees should still be realizing the benefits of walking straight on two legs and punching the time clock instead of swinging around and stuffing themselves with bananas. I can appreciate the survival of the fitist but changing species is quite another proposition.