RealClearScience brings us an interesting article with this intriguing title: “The Human Body Isn’t a Masterpiece of Design.” What follows is a the description of various bodily systems which are far from optimal but rather reflect adaptations that merely “get the job done,” more or less. Here is the key idea.
Evolution does not design structures from scratch. Rather, it modifies what already exists. As a result, many aspects of human anatomy are just “good enough” solutions – functional, but far from perfect. Some of the most familiar medical problems and ailments arise directly from these inherited constraints.
Problems so identified include the spine, the neck, our eyes, teeth and pelvis. and the adaptations continue. I am among the minority who develop no wisdom teeth. A further evolution? It amuses me to think so.
