logoalt Hacker News

wizzwizz4yesterday at 9:21 PM1 replyview on HN

Faster evolution does not necessarily translate to better outcomes. Exhibit A: the respiratory capabilities of the brachycephalic pug. Exhibit B: the rabbit fear response – they can get so terrified that they break their own spines trying to escape. Exhibit C: every creature with a hybrid r/K reproductive strategy involving child- or sibling-cannibalism.


Replies

mlhpdxyesterday at 10:56 PM

> Faster evolution does not necessarily translate to better outcomes.

For individuals, of course yes. But for populations? Also yes, but temporarily as dead-ends (A), or inconsequential stopovers (B), or distasteful (C).