[MonteQuest]

-snip-

Then why not build a dome here on earth, rather than at the top of an "energy-expensive gravity well"?

Because this is the surface of a planet that is rapidly becoming unsuitable to live on.

But space is not only unsuitable, it's an inhospitable environment.

A dome on earth could be made as "suitable" as any space habitat and be far more hospitable.

So, why struggle up through the gravity well?

Where, up there, are the greener pastures?

[KaiserJeep]

OK, but the Earth is full of hostile humans, who have consumed all other species, except other humans. Think of them as super-predators.

[MonteQuest]

Competition causes evolution.

No, it influences natural selection.

Reproductive rate, rather than death rate, drives natural selection.

Phrases such as "the struggle for survival" and "survival of the fittest" have had an unfortunate consequence. They tend to emphasize fighting for food as the prevalent means of selection. This reinforces erroneous thinking that the strongest and fastest individuals as having a selective advantage over weaker and slower individuals. But if this were true, every species would continually gain in strength and speed. Because this is not happening, selection against increased strength and speed is occurring and limits the process.

[KaiserJeep]

I think that YOU are discussing evolution as BAU, whereas I am discussing evolution as part of an incredibly hostile environment, where everybody not part of your extended family or community is trying to kill you and eat you. The social dynamics are a tad different between those two scenarios.

[MonteQuest]

OK, but the Earth is full of hostile humans, who have consumed all other species, except other humans. Think of them as super-predators.

Ever watch the Dome TV series? Outsiders can't get in.

[MonteQuest]

I think that YOU are discussing evolution as BAU, whereas I am discussing evolution as part of an incredibly hostile environment, where everybody not part of your extended family or community is trying to kill you and eat you. The social dynamics are a tad different between those two scenarios.

Still doesn't result in evolution.