Traditionally we are thinking in terms of human supremacy – we are now trying to manipulate DNA as we see fit – we are tops of evolution.
But life science says it is not so. There is a microcosm consisting of bacteria, cells, mitochondria in symbiotic evolution that we are all part of. The story of human evolution is just part of a bigger story about what goes on in microcosmos.
Discoveries have shown that we have a place in nature. Microbes are indispensable to life and to all living structures on Earth, including humans. We are all sophisticated, aggregated, evolving microbial life. All organisms are thus equally evolved. We have no lower lifeforms and with humans at the high end – all lifeforms are equally evolved. This is microcosm.
We live in a world of extended continued cooperation and interaction between lifeforms. Life on Earth is not divided between plants and animals, but between prokaryotes/bacteria and eukaryotes which is all the rest.
Prokaryotes/bacteria has transformed the Earth’s surface through advanced biotechnological processes: fermentation, photosynthesis, oxygen breathing, removal of nitrogen gas from the air.
The dynamics of evolution works by symbiosis via DNA, transfer of genetic material to other individuals (sex), mitochondria which are tiny membrane wrapped inclusions in the cells with their own DNA necessary for utilization of oxygen. Symbiosis is thus established as a major power of change and the maker of all visible organisms, and continuing all around us in interaction with the microcosm.
Life, including intelligence and consciousness, is the property of the microcosm.
Does this make it clear to you what is going on: the risks, the progress ahead? Humanity may be able to destroy itself, but most of the rest will surely survive.
See book: Lynn Margulis, Dorion Sagan: Microcosmos
