Post-Apocalyptic A to Z: Human evolution gone wrong

Whatever happens to our civilization, whether we destroy it or keep on going, evolution will continue. But what if it all goes horribly wrong? Scientists already worry about the hormones and additives in our food, as well as harmful chemicals in everyday objects like plastic bottles.

Now evolutionary theorist Oliver Curry of the London School of Economics has presented a theory that the human race will split into two. Within 100,000 years, he says, there will be an elite upper class, and a shorter, uglier, dumb underclass. As the two types of human diverge, they will become increasingly isolated genetically becasue they will prefer spouses from their own kind.

This is all a bit reminiscent of the Eloi and Morlocks in The Time Machine.

Curry also warns against the effects technology may have on the human species. Improved medicine will mean weaker people survive into adulthood and pass their frailties to the next generation. Also, a lack of exercise will make people physically weaker, like the Eloi who regularly get raided by the Morlocks.

I'm not sure we can really hope to predict what will happen in 100,000 years, but it's fun to speculate!