Could any species evolve which out-smarts/preys on humans?

**D.B. Cooper** · June 02, 2009, 10:45 PM

I use the word evolve carefully, since I don't know much about evolution

. But seriously, could anything ever come along as a serious contender with humans for the top of the food chain? Or at least preys specifically on humans? If not, why not? It would be very interesting, shame I won't be alive to see it happen if it did.

**Hookah Smoking Caterpiller** · June 02, 2009, 10:56 PM

Not for millions of years, but by then, we'll have killed everything on the planet we can't eat, thus ensuring our continued survival.

**★Bandiera Rossa☭** · June 02, 2009, 10:56 PM

Yes although since we are at the top we will probably already be gone before it could happen.

**cfmonkey45** · June 02, 2009, 11:02 PM

Fortunately, humanity has the benefit of being at the top of the food chain, in most cases. (Arguably speaking, several idiot campers or drunken frat boys could easily be torn apart by bears or wolves). Nevertheless, the idea that humanity will be surpassed in intellect is virtually nonexistant, since due to our burgeoning population, we'd drive most other potential species into extinction.

Nevertheless, I happen to be a theistic evolutionist, and while I know that this isn't the EM&M I do think that it is somewhat relevant to mention. My personal opinion is that while microevolutionary patterns could be simplistic responses to changes in DNA encoded and the natural environs, greater macro-evolution requires a lot more, shall we say, "luck" to produce a surviving and successful species. (I say luck both as a concession, and as an allusion to John Milton's quote that "luck is the residue of design"; out of context, but still applicable).

**C-Rob** · June 02, 2009, 11:08 PM

just as it took the dinosaurs' extinction for mammals and eventualy man to arise, so too does man have to go extinct for something to surpass it.

**Phier** · June 02, 2009, 11:16 PM

Perhaps we already have

**Sphere** · June 02, 2009, 11:34 PM

You shouldn't conflate raw genetic intelligence produced through evolution and human societal advances. Humans are in their position today because of the accumulation of knowledge and effort over thousands of years.

**FaneFlugt.DK** · June 03, 2009, 03:45 AM

Originally Posted by Sphere

You shouldn't conflate raw genetic intelligence produced through evolution and human societal advances. Humans are in their position today because of the accumulation of knowledge and effort over thousands of years.

Interresting topic, Say a nuclear, meteror kills 99,9% of the human population. Would we as a species still come out on top of the food chain after an extended period. Proberbly due to our mental capabilities, I dont see anything evolving that could kill us. It would have to be some kind of large pack animal with social capabilities and those would proberly be wiped out as well.

**pannonian** · June 04, 2009, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by FaneFlugt.DK

Interresting topic, Say a nuclear, meteror kills 99,9% of the human population. Would we as a species still come out on top of the food chain after an extended period. Proberbly due to our mental capabilities, I dont see anything evolving that could kill us. It would have to be some kind of large pack animal with social capabilities and those would proberly be wiped out as well.

IIRC crocodiles existed pretty much in their present form before the last mass extinction, so if the environment changed to become too hostile for us to live in, crocs might be able to flourish instead, able to eat carrion, and not needing too much of it to survive. Cockroaches are another group who are reputed to have a good chance of surviving a nuclear holocaust.

**awisler** · June 07, 2009, 10:08 PM

We are smart enough to realize a potential threat like this and capable of eliminating it before it is a serious problem, so no.

**the_mango55** · June 10, 2009, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by pannonian

Cockroaches are another group who are reputed to have a good chance of surviving a nuclear holocaust.

That's a myth. Cockroaches are far too dependent on humans, and no more resistant to radiation than other insects.

More nature-focused insects would thrive, while cockroaches would decline in prominence by far.

**Pengo** · June 03, 2009, 04:32 AM

Serious Answer: Bacteria or viruses (if viruses are "alive").

The number of bacterial species resistant to antibiotics will rise and the Yopi's (Young, Old, Pregnant and Immunocompromised) will suffer if exposed. Humans will always be top of the chain but plenty of us will fall to bacteria.

Not so serious answer: Supernatural beasts

They already exist and prey on humans, these vampires, zombies and spectres. Make sure you have a Cleric who can Turn Undead regularly, or if you can't beat them, join them.

The strange possibility: Aliens

They already exist and are coming to get "drive thru". They will pick off humans here and there, because we are not a food source, but rather a treat.

**War&Politics** · June 04, 2009, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by Pengo

Serious Answer: Bacteria or viruses (if viruses are "alive").

The number of bacterial species resistant to antibiotics will rise and the Yopi's (Young, Old, Pregnant and Immunocompromised) will suffer if exposed. Humans will always be top of the chain but plenty of us will fall to bacteria.

Not so serious answer: Supernatural beasts

They already exist and prey on humans, these vampires, zombies and spectres. Make sure you have a Cleric who can Turn Undead regularly, or if you can't beat them, join them.

The strange possibility: Aliens

They already exist and are coming to get "drive thru". They will pick off humans here and there, because we are not a food source, but rather a treat.

Well, there you have it (the serious answer I mean).

**AqD** · June 04, 2009, 05:24 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. Biggs

I use the word evolve carefully, since I don't know much about evolution

. But seriously, could anything ever come along as a serious contender with humans for the top of the food chain? Or at least preys specifically on humans? If not, why not? It would be very interesting, shame I won't be alive to see it happen if it did.

Yes of course, and it's very unlikely that people would realize it.

Look at the ants, would they see humans as some kind of "contender" or superior lifeforms?

**Chaigidel** · June 04, 2009, 07:38 AM

well it depends on how you judge superior--- several life forms are more highly evolved than humans already--- like crocodiles for example

will anything ever destroy like we do?--- probably a meteor or something

**lolgast** · June 04, 2009, 09:24 AM

Well if the world will be in the same state as today (no meteors etc.) I think that if there's any creature who will eventually outsmart us and/or prey on us I we'll probably kill all of them before they have a chance to gain serious numbers.

**Sharpe** · June 04, 2009, 10:16 AM

What if Mankind split into different species and they went to war?

**nasher168** · June 04, 2009, 10:25 AM

Absolutely. If conditions become dire enough, maybe something like Crows could obtain larger brains (possibly at the cost of flight). Scientists last week published findings demonstrating that crows can already make surprisingly sophisticated tools (hooks to collect food from a long tube). Also, Crows are largely unaffected by human activity. That said, it could be that they are too adaptable in their current state for evolution to occur at all.