What Could Happen

What Could Happen? Adithya Kothandhapani

Consider these questions: 1. Do you think that we, humans, are in any way special? 2. Do we have special laws that ascertain our future? 3. Do we have answers and proof to the previous questions? The Universe has been estimated to be in existence for, trusting the existing figures, around fifteen billion years. The Earth itself is old enough to tell the story of numerous epochs. The singular event of a species as ours is indeed marvellous, compared to the simple-structured organisms of the past; but this does not give any tell-tale indication of a finished product, or for that matter, an exemption from common events - such as mutation and extinction. Or does it? Are we the end product of millions (if not billions) of years of evolution - on the Earth or elsewhere - just to strip ecosystems of their harmony? Do we hold a unique responsibility in shaping the Earth's future; more specifically, do we take charge from here? Whatever the answer, we are not in a position to look for them, in rocks buried deep in the Earth or the deep reaches of our race's memory. The answers will eventually be found; till then, we can only speculate. Darwin (if he's right) has given part of the answer already. As preached by him, life forms come, and go. Only the hardiest survive and adapt continually. The horn on a rhino stays only for a few million years (that is considering the rhino survives mass extinctions), and finally, either disappears, or ends up as something more useful, like a filter for ingestion (which it may need in time to come, seeing the pollutant-rich food it gets nowadays). Each species enjoying 'domination' status has and will continue to leave an indelible mark upon the planet, and in the bigger picture, an irrefutable footprint on Einstein's spacetime graph-sheet. The emergence of a new species, in general, is fairly insignificant. But in the case of our rise to power, there are some things that cannot be overlooked however impossible it may sound. For example, if everything is of consequence, an incident such the drastic reduction in mass of the Earth would result in the following course of events:

The Earth, now with a reduced mass, would not be able to maintain it's trajectory around the Sun. The planet would firstly, be subject to violent changes in its axis, and hence wobble precariously. Next would come the blinding speed of rotation, causing the terrestrial forces to react chaotically, triggering a possible atmospheric collapse.

Secondly, till a new (and stable) orbit is achieved, the planet would be under the constant risk of colliding with the Moon, or if our luck runs out, Mars, Venus or any neighbouring planet in range. If you are wondering why I am discussing a seemingly far-fetched fate of our dear planet, try estimating the tonnes of destructive power our governments command at the press of a button. Look further and you can ascertain the maximum possible damage. The result would dwarf the very meaning of 'Holocaust'. In other words, the sequence of events mentioned in the previous paragraph, is a looming possibility. So, our species does hold some importance, even if it regards reducing the Earth to a twin of the Asteroid Belt. Our future is in our very hands, or so it seems. Will we compose our own funeral tune, or will we disperse across limitless Space and erect cities on alien soil? The current status of the space around us offers the following possible 'Ends': 1. Man is the product of evolution, Intelligent Design, or whatever you believe. He has been around since antiquity, and will continue to do so, till he eventually runs out of luck on this planet. In his hands, lies the future of the surrounding environment - free for him to manipulate to either end. 2. Man is not the final product of evolution. He will undergo variable mutation and through natural selection, some races are sustained, and others wiped out. His mutations will allow him to adapt physiologically to the changing conditions on Earth. 3. An existing species would evolve at a more rapid rate, thus posing a threat to our domination of the Earth (though it would have to be able to multiply at a considerable rate). Either sentient or not, through brute force or sheer psychological supremacy, this species would contend for resources and strike at our weaknesses, thus usurping us from our position of power. This 'new and improved' species may be brought about by Nature's gradual and devious methods or by ourselves in those hellish sites of experimentation. 4. As in science-fiction, "an alien race, from far out in Space" could invade, destroy, colonize or even breed amongst us. (The SETI scientists would be pleased. At least all those funds will be accounted for.) 5. The human race dies out due to uncontrolled exploitation of limited and essential resources. The ongoing crises may never be resolved and thus

inflict irreversible damage on the planet. The 'ever-adaptive' species called Homo sapiens would be wiped out due to the out-of-phase technology and its usage. This could lead to the rise of some species similar to that mentioned in point number ‘3’ that could take over the reins of control.

6. A natural catastrophe could wipe out a) humans and other surface-dwelling organisms, leading to a situation similar to that before our advent or the rise of underground life.

b) all life (though, the destruction of existing bacterial life is highly unlikely) on Earth and renders in unsuitable for habitation. The planet would thus be left at the mercy of comet and meteorite strikes to seed life once again, if ever possible.

Our role, purpose and need on the Earth is unknown, as of yet. The play of fate, destiny, free choice and other undiscovered devices of determinism would continue to conflict the theories of evolution and stories told by lost civilizations. The smoke of hands reaching out for our attention - from outer space, from beneath our feet or even from the depths of our devilish intentions - may as well be lost in the rising mist, or be warning of the obvious fire. It's time we started looking for the answers to all those questions that we've put off for later. Now is the time we need to realize our position in the grand scheme of things, or make it grand enough before the final blow.

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