7. Impact of Human Evolution
7. Impact of Human Evolution
Embedded Files
Evaluate the impact of human evolution on the environment and other
species
Evaluate the impact of human evolution on the environment and other
species
As humans have evolved over time, we have had both positive and negative impacts on the environment and other species. Our advanced technologies and actions have significantly influenced the natural world in various ways. Let’s explore some of the key impacts of human evolution on the environment.
1. Positive impacts
Fig 7.1: Impact of Human Evolution
a. Medical advancement: Human evolution has given rise to medical progress. By understanding our own biology and the biology of other organisms, we have been able to make groundbreaking discoveries, develop life-saving medicines, and gain a better understanding of the natural world. This has improved healthcare and increased life expectancy.1
b. Global community: In the past, our ancestors lived in small, isolated settlements. Now, humans have formed a global community. Modern transportation and communication allow us to connect with people all over the world and coexist peacefully.1
c. Availability of resources: It was difficult for our ancestors to get basic necessities like food and shelter. As communities evolved, agriculture and technology expanded, which made resources like food, water, and housing more readily available to humans today.1
2. Negative impacts
a. Clearing lands: As humans evolved, we started to change the land around us. We cleared forests to create space for our homes, farms, and cities.2
b. Using Natural Resources: Humans started using natural resources like water, soil, and trees to meet their needs. We used water for drinking, farming, and industry. Soil was used for growing crops, and trees were cut down for building houses and making tools.2
c. Impacting Wildlife: As humans evolved, we spread across different parts of the world, sometimes causing disruptions to wildlife. Human activities like deforestation and urbanization have destroyed the natural habitats of many animals and plants, endangering their survival.2
d. Pollution: The growth of industries and transportation has led to various types of pollution. Air and water pollution, caused by human activities, harm the environment, wildlife, and even human health.2
Glossary
biology: the study of living things, like plants, animals, and humans
isolated: being alone or separated from others, with little or no connection to other things or places
deforestation: the process of cutting down or clearing large areas of forests or trees
urbanisation: when more and more people move from rural areas to cities
Summary:
Human evolution has had both positive and negative impacts on the environment
Positive impacts: Medical advancement, global community, and availability of resources.
Negative impacts: Clearing lands, using natural resources, impacting wildlife, and pollution.
Extension/Further Reading:
How Do We Know that Humans Are the Major Cause of Global Warming? Union of concerned scientist Link
Page updated
Report abuse