Genomes and the Gene Pool

Genomes and the Gene Pool is an up-to-date overview of the science of human genetics with an emphasis on how genetics affects the lives of individuals and the future of our species.

Part I of the book provides a basic introduction to human genetics with sections on mutation, heritability of traits, and human evolutionary history. Part I concludes with two chapters on genetics and healthcare. The genomes of millions of people are now being sequenced. Part I explains how such sequencing will significantly improve people’s health and lives.

Part II deals with the genetics of humanity as a whole. Part II covers reproductive planning, heritability of intelligence, evolution of our special intelligence, and recent changes to the forces that shaped our evolution. Through analysis of these changes, the gene pool problem is identified. Part II concludes with possible solutions to this problem.

The gene pool problem is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. The information stored within the DNA molecules that comprise human genomes is slowly, but continually, changing through the natural process of mutation. Each baby that is born has about 1,000 mutations. Many mutations are deleterious causing thousands of different disorders and diminishing all of our abilities. Up until about the year 1800, brutal natural selection and other evolutionary forces kept the deleterious mutations in check. But the numerous, wonderful advances in human societies that have occurred since 1800 have substantially relaxed natural selection and changed other evolutionary forces such that deleterious mutations are now accumulating in our genomes. This is the gene pool problem. Unless this problem is solved, human societies will inevitably decline.

ISBN: 123456789

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