John,
I do not think the evolution of life ends with me. I was describing my DNA evolution until today.
While it is true that the mitochondria stay with the egg, there is still an equal DNA donation from each partner for the human development. The mitochondria are there symbiotically.
Viruses are nothing more than DNA wrapped in a protein coat. If viruses are considered living things, then our DNA has been immortal,so far, by the definition of being exempt from death. Of course everything on the planet will fry when our sun goes orgasmic, but we may leave by then. Ultimately, we all get sucked down a black hole, but maybe somebody will find a loophole. ( a wormhole?)
I have not read "The Selfish Gene" but I am aware of it's content, and I agree with the premise. Our DNA has produced a thinking mind that overlays a reptilian brain. Suppress the thinking mind with alcohol or drugs, or a well-placed stroke of the hand, and we go into automatic reptilian behavior. The packet of sperm, containing the DNA instructions for the next person, finds the correct resting place, ( unless you were home alone).
As a footnote, it was recently discovered that a packet of sperm inside of a vagina will defend the cervix against a subsequent assault of sperm from another man. There is a percentage of the sperm that are specialized only for that purpose. They have been filmed interlocking with each other to form a barrier against their rivals. I wonder why they would have evolved that trait, and I also wonder how that guy got in there to film it. |
