How living on Mars could drive human evolution into a new species, according to an evolutionary biologist
By
Anita Chandran
Summary
Evolutionary biologist Scott Solomon explores how human evolution would be shaped by long-term settlement on Mars. The article examines how Mars' lower gravity, higher radiation, different atmosphere, and isolated environment could drive physical and genetic changes in humans over generations — potentially leading to a new species altogether. Key adaptations discussed include taller, more fragile skeletons, altered skin pigmentation, changes to the circulatory and respiratory systems, and potential shifts in social and reproductive behaviors due to the harsh, enclosed environment.
Source
bskyHow living on Mars could drive human evolution into a new species, according to an evolutionary biologistskyatnightmagazine.comKey quotes
· 5 pulledIf we were to establish a permanent settlement on Mars, the differences in environment — lower gravity, higher radiation, a different atmosphere — would create new selective pressures that would shape the evolution of the human body in ways we can begin to predict.
Over many generations, humans living on Mars could become so different from Earthlings that they might be considered a new species altogether.
The reduced gravity on Mars would likely lead to changes in bone density and muscle mass, potentially resulting in taller, more slender bodies with weaker skeletons.
Higher radiation levels on the surface of Mars would select for individuals with more melanin, leading to darker skin over time as a natural protection against DNA damage.
In a small, isolated population on Mars, genetic drift would play a much larger role than it does on Earth, meaning that traits could become fixed in the population simply by chance.
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