The Biological Case
Page 3This page includes a diagram or table.
RESEARCH NOTE / NO GENETIC DESTINY CERTIFICATES
The Biological Case
DNA
Evolution made both freeloaders and collaborators.
Selfish genetic elements can spread through genomes. Parasitism evolved independently many times among animals. Ancient viral machinery has also been recruited for beneficial functions in placental biology. These are real evolutionary findings—not a genetic taxonomy of dishonest people. [01] [02] [03]
Passage actions
EXTRACTION
Some traits propagate at another's expense.
Passage actions
Selection can operate at multiple biological levels.
Passage actions
⇄
COOPERATION
Other interactions benefit participants.
Passage actions
Kinship, repetition, and population structure can help cooperation evolve. [04]
Passage actions
223+
A 2016 comparative study identified at least 223 independent origins of animal parasitism. It did not find that humanity is the endpoint of a ladder of parasites. [02]
Passage actions
THE BABY IS NOT AN ANCESTOR MONTAGE
A developing human uses ancient genetic toolkits; an embryo does not literally experience being a fish, giraffe, virus, or leech. Evolution leaves inherited biological structure, not remembered lives.