Reply #10: Evolution almost never drives a trait to extinction [View All]

[Tesha]

If we assume that evolution (natural selection) is actually
having an effect on how readily we believe in "religion",
then its unlikely that this trait would ever be entirely
eliminated, no matter how much pressure is brought upon
the trait.

Once a trait is created, even if it goes relatively unused,
it tends to remain latent in natural selection's armamentarium,
waiiting for an opportunity to once again help its species
(hosts) survive.

The famous example of that is that species of moths in
the UK. Orignially white, they eventually evolved into
much darker colors as the air got sootier during the
industrial revolution. But once we cleaned the air again,
they very rapidly returne dto their lighter colors. The
trait for whiteness hadn't been selected out, it simply
became latent for a century or two.

So a trait that creates a tendency for religiosity could
always make a resurgence if we let our guard down.

Tesha