With advancing technology, humankind now has the unprecedented ability to create new life forms as well as merge animal life with biological life. In this chapter, the three distinct stages of the evolutionary process including natural selection, cultural evolution and directed evolution are discussed. Directed evolution includes domestication, the creation of hybrid animals, genetically modified animals, cloned animals, and animal cyborgs. Recent developments have raised two significant questions: Is it appropriate to pursue the creation of new life-forms? Current consensus indicates affirmation. Subsequently, what ethical responsibilities do engineers have toward these newly created life-forms?

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Technological Advances and Stages of Evolution

  • George D. Catalano

摘要

With advancing technology, humankind now has the unprecedented ability to create new life forms as well as merge animal life with biological life. In this chapter, the three distinct stages of the evolutionary process including natural selection, cultural evolution and directed evolution are discussed. Directed evolution includes domestication, the creation of hybrid animals, genetically modified animals, cloned animals, and animal cyborgs. Recent developments have raised two significant questions: Is it appropriate to pursue the creation of new life-forms? Current consensus indicates affirmation. Subsequently, what ethical responsibilities do engineers have toward these newly created life-forms?