Why Do Species with Bipedalism, Fur/Feathers Loss, and Aggressive Traits Not Outlast a Billion Years?

Huh? They’re not I don’t know what you’re saying. If you mean early humans as the ones who became bipedal lost their fur and bonked rival species on the head, then the only reason they’re not here is because we decided they had no right to live on this earth with us. Because humans are nice like that.

But let’s get serious for a moment and look at the broader context of evolution and extinction. The question being posed here is whether animals that have evolved bipedalism, lost their fur/feathers/scales, and/or the tendency to dominate rival species will survive beyond a few million years or a billion years. This is a fascinating inquiry that touches on a wide range of factors in the natural world.

Establishing the Hypothesis

The central hypothesis here is that species which have evolved bipedalism, lost certain physical attributes (such as fur, feathers, or scales), and have lost the aggressive trait of bonking rival species on the head, are less likely to survive for extended periods. This hypothesis is based on the assumption that these physical and behavioral traits are tied to their survival strategies. However, to validate this hypothesis, we need to consider a range of factors, including environmental variables, evolutionary pressures, and the preservation of remains in the fossil record.

Fossil Record and Environmental Factors

Microbes, too, seldom make it to the billion-year mark. This leads us to consider whether all microbes are indeed the same species. In reality, the preservation of any species, whether microbial or complex, in the fossil record depends on a multitude of factors. The environment plays a critical role in both the preservation and degradation of remains. For instance, fossilisation requires stable environmental conditions, with little to no disruption over a vast period.

Survival, as a general rule, is never easy. This is precisely why species with certain traits might not last as long as we might expect. Evolution is a complex and often unpredictable process, and numerous factors can influence the survival of a species. Bipedalism, for example, comes with numerous advantages, such as the ability to survey the environment, quickly change direction, climb trees, and use tools. These advantages undoubtedly assist in survival. However, it is also true that a lack of physical attributes like fur, feathers, or scales, in specific environments, can be beneficial. In hot and humid climes, less fur might be advantageous for thermoregulation, and the loss of flying ability in the absence of terrestrial predators can be seen as an adaptation rather than a disadvantage.

Environmental Adaptations and Survival Strategies

Consider the case of lions in extremely hot and humid environments. Here, lions have markedly less fur and a less impressive mane. This is an adaptation to their environment, not a disadvantage. Similarly, birds in environments where there are no terrestrial predators might lose their flying ability, saving significant amounts of energy. The ability to walk is often a more efficient means of survival. The tendency to dominate other species through aggressive behavior, while beneficial in the short term, might not be sustainable over geological timescales. Aggressive behaviors can lead to over-predation, resource depletion, and the eventual reduction in overall population.

Furthermore, consider the example of small rodents like mice. They have evolved to breed prolifically, ensuring the continuation of their species without the need for aggressive behaviors. This strategy has proven to be highly effective in ensuring survival over long periods, with billions of individuals and hundreds of different species thriving across various environments.

Conclusion

Survival in the face of natural selection is a complex interplay of factors, including but not limited to physical attributes, environmental conditions, and behavioral traits. While the loss of certain traits might seem disadvantageous, they often represent adaptations to specific environments. The fossil record often reflects these adaptations, with species that survived for extended periods showing various degrees of adaptation to their environments.

In conclusion, the hypothesis that species with bipedalism, fur/feathers loss, and aggressive behaviors will not survive for a billion years might hold some validity, but it is crucial to consider the multitude of factors influencing survival over such vast timescales. Each species' story is unique and shaped by a combination of evolutionary pressures and environmental adaptations.