Title: Adapting to Changing Environments
Course: Nature & Human Wellness eeCourse > Section: Module 2: Biological Foundations to Nature & Human Interconnection

Learn how our species have adapted over time - by learning more about our deep biological ancestors and the environment in which we evolved.

Deep Dive into "Homo" Species

Although humans are currently the only living species belonging to the genus “Homo”, this was not always the case. In fact, much of our deep evolutionary development was spent sharing the planet with many other closely related species belonging to the“Homo” genus. Why is this important to know? Having a foundational understanding of our species’ origins and adaptations, as well as  our evolution as learning social creatures inhabiting this planet over time, can help us gain a deeper understanding of the science behind the interconnection between the health of our environments and the health of our species.

TASK: To learn more about our evolutionary origins, watch both of the videos below.
“What Happened Before History? Human Origins”
“7 Million Years of Human Evolution”

Evolutionary Mismatch Theory

Evolutionary Mismatch Theory: An evolutionary mismatch refers to a situation where an organism's traits, behaviors, or adaptations that evolved over time are no longer well-suited to its current environment or circumstances. This can occur due to rapid environmental changes or shifts in ecological conditions that outpace the rate of evolutionary adaptation. When thinking our own species through the this lens,, Evolutionary mismatch theory refers to the idea that many of the traits and behaviors that evolved in our ancestors, which were beneficial in their environment, may not be well-suited to the vastly different environment we live in today. Studying evolutionary mismatches helps explain certain human behaviors that might seem irrational or maladaptive today but were beneficial in the past. For instance, a preference for sweet and fatty foods was advantageous when such foods were rare but can lead to negative impacts on our health in our modern world where sweet and fatty foods are convenient and abundant.

TASK: Read the article “Evolutionary Mismatch and What You Can Do About It” to learn more about how the theory of evolutionary mismatch is being applied to humans and the rapidly increasing physical and mental health challenges  our species is facing in these human built, modern environments.

TASK: Listen to this podcast episode: Dr. Daniel Lieberman - Evolutionary Biology, Mismatch Diseases, and Medicine

Extinction of Experience Theory

The Extinction of Experience theory is another leading theory attempting to describe the experience of humans connection to the natural world in our modern era. This theory suggests that as people become less connected with nature due to urbanization and technological advances, their direct experiences and interactions with the natural world diminish (Soga & Gaston, 2016). This loss of meaningful contact with nature can lead to decreased environmental awareness, empathy for wildlife, and ultimately contribute to a diminished sense of responsibility towards conservation and stewardship values.

TASK: Read the following article to learn more about the theory, and how it applies to our discussion of nature and human interconnection. “Why it matters that humans and nature are growing apart”

Journal Reflection

In your course journal on your own time, please reflect on the following questions:

- Were you aware of the concept of “Evolutionary Mismatch Theory” prior to reading this course information and the article?

- Write a one paragraph reflection on how you see evolutionary mismatch in your life today and how it impacts your point of view about human evolution and the ability to adapt to a changing world.