Fact check: Does evolution still apply to human beings

1. Summary of the results

The scientific consensus strongly confirms that evolution continues to apply to human beings. Multiple sources provide clear evidence that evolutionary mechanisms like natural selection, mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift remain active in human populations ^[1]. In fact, human evolution may be accelerating, occurring approximately 100 times faster than historical averages ^[2]. Scientists unanimously agree that humans are "undoubtedly" still evolving ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial pieces of context:

• Evolution is not just a historical phenomenon but an ongoing process guided by the Modern Evolutionary Synthesis ^[1]
• Recent concrete examples of human evolution include:
• Lactose tolerance adaptation ^[2]
• Changes in height among Dutch populations ^[2]
• Brain size changes and disease resistance adaptations ^[3]
• Potential genetic impacts from recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic ^[3]
• Our understanding of evolution itself continues to evolve, with emerging concepts like epigenetic inheritance being incorporated into the theory ^[1]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question itself contains an implicit bias by using "still" - suggesting evolution might have stopped for humans. This reflects common misconceptions about evolution:

• Evolution doesn't require obvious environmental pressures to occur - it happens through various mechanisms including genetic drift ^[4]
• The process is ongoing and dynamic, with scientists noting that humans might be "evolving more rapidly than ever before" ^[3]
• The theory itself is not static - our understanding is "always being updated" with new concepts and future updates likely ^[1]

This understanding benefits various groups:

• Scientific institutions and researchers who receive funding for evolutionary studies
• Medical researchers who use evolutionary principles to understand disease resistance and human adaptation
• Educational institutions that teach evolutionary biology