How Would Humans Evolve?

     It is very likely humans living on Mars would become taller and taller as time went on. The gravity on Mars is 38% less than the gravity on Earth and over time, the human body would have to adapt to this. For example, most astronauts will gain about 2 inches in height while on Mars (Gammon). This is because of the weaker gravitational pull on the spike while they're in space. This allows the spike to stretch and ultimately, make a person taller! In addition, the absence of gravity may evolve 

     Over time, humans would develop genetic mutations that would counter the risks of decreased bone density and muscle mass, which scientists observe in astronauts as well. It's possible we would  After two generations or so it's likely the bones of humans living on Mars will strengthen, glasses will be necessary for nearsightedness, immune systems will be non-existent, pregnancy and childbirth will be immensely dangerous, and the exposure to radiation which is more than 5,000 times the amount we're exposed to on Earth during a normal lifetime, could lead to an increase in Cancer rates (Coleman par. 4). This is significantly important because if pregnancy and childbirth are so dangerous and deadly, how do we keep the population growing and not go extinct? Not to add that cancer could wipe out everyone as well. 

(1st Para Completed By: Jacob Lewis) 

(2nd Para Completed By: Gaby Giambalvo ) 

What Would We look like?

There is already evidence that humans would evolve phenotypical characteristics making us taller due to the absence of gravity. Because of this, we can infer other evolutionary changes that may occur. For example, human bones might evolve to become denser to stabilize the body. In addition, muscle mass and strength could increase and fat stores might decrease. This is because muscle weighs more than fat, resulting in heavier human bodies to offset the effects on gravity. It is very possible humans could evolve to look like the characters from the movie Avatar. The bodies of the character in the movie are, much taller, stronger, agile, and have more muscular. Although, we did not find any evidence that could explain why humans would evolve phenotypical characteristics giving them blue skin.  

(Section Completed By: Jacob Lewis)

Resources 

Gammon, Katharine. "Would Humans Born On Mars Grow Taller Than Earthlings?" Live Science, 1 Mar. 2011. https://www.livescience.com/33082-would-humans-born-on-mars-grow-taller-than-earthlings-.html. Accessed 1 May 2020. 7

Coleman, Natalie. "Evolutionary Biologist: Mars Colonists Will Mutate Really Fast". Futurism, https://futurism.com/mars-colonists-mutation-evolution. Accessed 1 May 2020.

Freeman, David. "Will Mars Colonists Evolve into This New Kind of Human?" NBC News. 28 Feb. 2017. https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/the-big-questions/mars-colonists-might-evolve-entirely-new-type-human-n708636. Accessed 5 May 2020.

Soledad Gonzalez, Maria, and Bowman, Jordan. "What humans will look like on Mars."Business Insider. 25 May 2018. https://www.businessinsider.com/what-humans-look-like-on-mars-2018-5. Accessed 5 May 2020.

Kettley, Sebastian. "What would life on Mars look like? How one MILLION people could live on the Red Planet." Express: Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. 3 Sep. 2018. https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1012369/Mars-life-on-Mars-colonies-Mars-cities-design-competition. Accessed 5 May 2020. 

(Formatting and Images Completed By: Jacob Lewis)