Species go extinct because there are historical contraints built into a given body or a given design

Species go extinct because there are historical contraints built into a given body or a given design

Kevin Kelly, a renowned author and technology enthusiast, has often discussed the concept of species going extinct due to historical constraints built into their design. In his book "What Technology Wants," Kelly explores the idea that evolution is not a perfect process, and that there are limitations and constraints that can lead to the extinction of certain species.

Kelly argues that every species is the result of a long history of trial and error, with each adaptation and trait being shaped by the environment in which it evolved. However, these adaptations are not always perfect or optimal, and can sometimes become hindrances when the environment changes. This can lead to a species being unable to adapt quickly enough to survive, ultimately leading to its extinction.

One example of this concept can be seen in the case of the dodo bird. The dodo bird was a flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius. Due to the lack of natural predators on the island, the dodo bird lost the ability to fly over time. However, when humans arrived on the island and introduced new predators such as dogs and cats, the dodo bird was unable to escape and quickly went extinct.

Kelly's theory suggests that the dodo bird's inability to adapt to the new predators was due to historical constraints built into its design. The bird had evolved in an environment where flight was unnecessary, and as a result, it had lost the ability to fly. This ultimately led to its downfall when faced with a new threat.

Overall, Kelly's ideas about historical constraints and species extinction provide a thought-provoking perspective on the complexities of evolution and the challenges that species face in a constantly changing world. By understanding these constraints, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth and the importance of preserving it for future generations.