Homo sapiens — en vetenskaplig kulturkrock

Abstract

The completion of the HUGO-project will in a dramatic way alter basic research in all areas of biology. The use of the new information will be facilitated by emergence of bioinformatic and technical development for studies of all genes, which are relevant for a biological phenomenon, including the genes which are necessary for expression of complex biological traits such as religion, moral, technology and civilizations. This genetic background has evolved over millions of years, while their expression as complex phenotypes is very recent in an evolutionary perspective. Studies of cultural evolution and its biological background offers a challenge for scholars both in the biological and humanistic fields. The role of the cultural environment as a strong selection force in biological evolution is emphasized.