CANINE GENETICS

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HERDS, HIVES AND HUMAN EVOLUTION

Barbara "BJ" Andrews, Publisher, SAAB Member

All living things, from sponges to insects to animals, have a discernible level of intelligence and live in clusters, hives, herds, or packs.

Humans, being bigger thinkers but needing more shelter than other creatures, looked at wolf dens, bee hives and bird nests and began building protective structures. Thankfully they dismissed the up-a-tree idea and decided on caves.

But we multiplied and needed more room so, we came out of the cold caves and built grass or bamboo huts. But they didn’t last very long so we progressed to using wood to construct a more permanent shelter. As our family (and intellect) grew, the hut became a house with individual sections. That afforded more privacy and unthinkingly, we separated a little bit from each other.

Being “human” now, we wanted bigger, better houses so we had to travel to get more wood. Our world expanded as we discovered water in gushing rivers and lots of new things to eat.

We also learned what not to eat but left the dead as they lay and went on our way.

Getting smarter, we noticed that the two mightiest mammals, elephants and rhinos, stayed in their species group for protection, company and conversation. Even sea creatures clumped together by species, from seals and whales to shrimp and clams. There was plenty to eat and lots to do.

We humans began to do likewise and found it made life easier, especially as we had figured out that “house” thing.

But as our brains developed even more, we began to trade some of the things that kept us safe for “things” that made us more comfortable. We also noted that other mammals lived in flocks, herds or packs, so we turned our houses into “villages” and watching monkeys fight, we learned how to use sticks and rocks as weapons.

As our brains worked better, we developed more self-interest than any other living creature. With that came pride and we strived to outdo our neighbors by building bigger, better houses so that our offspring could stay “home” longer than is natural in nature.

Actually, we are one of the few species that encourages our progeny to stay with us. Perhaps we humans are still “herd” animals? Well? We elect a leader. Usually male. And although the men protect us, as we further evolve, we have chosen female leaders as well. Some (women) would say we are evolving…

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