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In Vivo Modeling of the Morbid Human Genome using Danio rerio
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Humans as model organisms.

Kim Sterelny1

  • 1Philosophy, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia kim.sterelny@anu.edu.au.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|December 15, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Humans, as products of evolution, offer unique insights into evolutionary mechanisms. Studying human exceptionalism can reveal evolutionary constraints applicable to other species.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Human evolution
  • Behavioral science

Background:

  • Humans are a product of evolution by natural selection, sharing common ancestry with other species.
  • While human data is abundant for physical traits, its application to broader evolutionary questions is challenging.
  • Human cognitive, behavioral, and social characteristics appear distinct from other animals, raising questions about their suitability as model organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the concept of human exceptionalism in evolutionary biology.
  • To investigate whether human uniqueness hinders or aids the study of general evolutionary principles.
  • To argue that human exceptionalism can provide valuable insights into evolutionary constraints.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of evolutionary theory and human uniqueness.
Keywords:
Morgan's Canonanthropomorphismhuman exceptionalismmodel organisms

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  • Review of existing literature on human evolution and comparative biology.
  • Argumentation based on the potential of human exceptionalism as an analytical tool.

    • Main Results:

    • Human cognitive and social traits are often considered extreme cases, potentially shaped by unique mechanisms like cultural evolution.
    • The "human exception" is often downplayed in favor of viewing humans as typical evolutionary products.
    • Understanding human exceptionalism can illuminate evolutionary constraints that limit options in other lineages.

    Conclusions:

    • Human exceptionalism, rather than being a hindrance, can be an advantage in evolutionary studies.
    • Studying the unique aspects of human evolution offers a distinct perspective on evolutionary processes.
    • The human case provides insights into evolutionary constraints that may not be apparent in other species.