Until the evolution of man, all species on Earth had been confined by their physical traits. Over time, natural selection dictated the diversity of our planet, as species that adapted to the environment survived while those that could not became extinct. A species faced with a changing climate, dwindling food supply or increased competition, either evolved traits that favored its survival or succumbed to the advance of other life forms. Such events, unfolding over thousands or millions of years, allowed cetaceans to return to the sea, birds to take flight and well-insulated creatures to inhabit the colder regions of our globe.
But man, endowed with a large brain, did not have to wait for evolution to supply his needs. Intelligent enough to build shelters, control fire and create protective clothing, he spread across the continents, eventually learning to construct boats, domesticate animals and cultivate plants. His brain power would lead to scientific breakthroughs, the industrial revolution and, perhaps too late, the environmental movement. He did not need to evolve fins to cross the oceans, develop wings to fly or grow a thick fur coat to survive the winter months.
Freed from the confines of evolution, we have "conquered the globe" and, at the same time, have begun to destroy it. Whether our intelligence will finally produce a peaceful, pollution-free, self-sustaining planet is yet to be seen. Unfortunately, many cultural, religious and psychological barriers must first become extinct.
