Social Evidence For Evolution

*note: Religious people may be offended by part of this post.

evolution is pretty much the most proven theory there is. We have DNA evidence and fossil evidence. We also observe very different creatures that use different solutions to the same problem (bats and birds have totally different wing structure). On the other side, there are similar creatures that use the same solution (all birds use essentially the same wing design, with minor variations). On top of this, I think there is another layer of evidence in the way we behave. I have a list of things that clearly show that we function in ways that allow our DNA to be passed on.

1.Family
We want to defend our families, because they contain our DNA. If we didn't defend our families then they probably wouldn't survive long enough to reproduce.

2.Racism
Ok, This isn't a pretty one but it works. We naturally want DNA that is similar to ours to be passed on. A genetic mutation that helps itself in other copies is more likely to survive. In this way, someone who appears to be genetically different from us is naturally repressed. Part of the reason racism has lessened is that we live in a global society, and people who can function with anybody are more likely to be successful. It's a social evolution that's happening right in front of us.

3.Homophobia
As much as we want to promote our own DNA, survival of the species takes precedence. So when we meet someone with no interest in pro-creation we have a negative reaction. I think that this attitude is going to go the same way as racism because we can support a gay community (the world is OVER-populated!) and our society has been moving in a liberal direction for the last 4000 years. Therefore it will be advantageous socially to be tolerant of gays.

4.Religion
There is a part of the brain, often referred to as the god spot (g-spot), that causes a religious experience when manipulated (people who have seizures in this part of the brain have an illness called "hyper-religiosity"). So what possible function could this serve? Well, it's responsible for belief in god. The odd thing is that the evolutionary advantage of this is not immediately obvious. I have a few theories, all of which probably play a contributing role:

We have developed the ability to question the universe. So when we come across the big "where are we going" issue, ancient man had no answer. Religion gave them one, avoiding suicide, depression and all other sorts of things. Now that we can explain so much of our universe and know how to find out other things about it, i think that the situation has changed significantly. It is hard to identify with someone who knows nothing but survival.

Religion provides alot of certainty, which can help immensely when trying to motivate others. Motivation and leadership increase appeal when seeking mates.

Once religion took hold, non-religious people pretty persecuted for a few thousand years. That would be social selection and is pretty much identical to natural selection.

5.sex is fun!
If you enjoy sex you want more of it. If you have more sex, you have more kids. If you have more surviving kids they pass on your DNA. QED.

Interestingly, the god-spot actually plays a part in orgasms, tying sex and religion together. neato!

"He's an or-gasm addict!"
-The Buzzcocks