What will humans look like in 10,000 years' time?

What will humans look like in 10,000 years' time?

In the past 10,000 years humans haven't changed much looks-wise, but with rapid advances in technology the next 10,000 years could look much different.

Luis Villazon

Asked by: Patrizia Sellam, Brighton

Humans looked essentially the same as they do today 10,000 years ago, with minor differences in height and build due to differences in diet and lifestyle. But in the next 10 millennia, we may well have refined genetic 'editing' techniques to allow our children to all be born beautiful and healthy. This could remove a lot of natural variation, creating a world full of Johnny Depp and Uma Thurman clones.

Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.

Luis Villazon

Q&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.
What will humans look like in 10,000 years' time? © Getty Images

© Getty Images

This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2024