Are men going extinct? This has been a topic of discussion for many years, with previous studies suggesting that the Y sex chromosome, which only men carry, is decaying genetically so fast that it will be extinct in five million years’ time.
However, a new study has found surprising results that men may not become extinct after all. The gene within the Y chromosome that leads to testes development and male hormone secretion is not decaying as rapidly as previously thought.
Are you curious about the future of men? Check out this Youtube video: “Are Men Going Extinct?”
It’s a thought-provoking discussion that will make you think twice about the role of men in society.
The Disappearing Y Chromosome
The “disappearing Y chromosome” is a popular topic of debate among scientists and researchers. Some studies have predicted that the Y sex chromosome, which only men carry, is deteriorating so quickly that it will become extinct in five million years.
However, a new study suggests that this may not be the case, and that the Y chromosome may have more genetic tricks up its sleeve than we previously thought.
The Male-Determiner
The Y chromosome is crucial when it comes to determining the male sex in humans. This is because it contains a gene which triggers the development of testes and the production of male hormones.
This gene is known as the SRY gene, and without it, the embryo develops as a female. If the Y chromosome were to disappear, it would mean that there would be no SRY gene to trigger male development.
This could potentially lead to a world with no male embryos or individuals.
Men without Y Chromosome in the Future
It is still up for debate whether men will eventually lose the Y chromosome. While some studies claim that the Y chromosome is deteriorating rapidly and will inevitably lead to its extinction, others suggest that the chromosome has mechanisms in place to prevent its disappearance.
These include gene conversion, where the Y chromosome swaps genetic material with its paired X chromosome, as well as translocations, where pieces of the Y chromosome move to other chromosomes within the genome. However, if the Y chromosome were to disappear, the implications would be significant for the future of male genetics and evolution.
Debating the Findings
While the study suggests that men might go extinct in five million years, many experts disagree with the findings. They argue that the research has limitations and potential biases that may have influenced the conclusions.
One of the limitations of the study is that it only focuses on the Y sex chromosome without considering other factors that might affect evolution. The research also assumes that the decay of the Y chromosome will continue at the same rate in the future, which may not be accurate.
Moreover, some scientists argue that the study’s conclusions are based on an oversimplification of evolutionary biology. Evolution is a complex process that involves various factors, and predicting the future of a species based on one genetic trait may be premature.
Finally, some experts believe that the study’s findings are sensationalized and could cause unwarranted panic among the public. They argue that despite the potential decay of the Y chromosome, men will not go extinct anytime soon, and the study’s conclusions should be taken with a grain of salt.
Implications and Repercussions
The idea of men going extinct is a hypothetical one but it raises many questions about its implications and repercussions. One major concern is the social and cultural impact this could have on humanity as a whole.
Historically, men have played important roles in society as leaders, warriors, and providers. Their absence could create a significant imbalance that may be difficult to overcome.
Entertainment
Many works of entertainment, including films and literature, have explored imagined worlds where certain groups of people are extinct. If men were to go extinct, it could be integrated into storytelling in a variety of ways.
These stories could shed light on the contributions men have made to society as well as showcase the potential problems associated with their loss.
Skincare for Men and Men’s Underwear
If men were to go extinct, industries that cater largely to male customers would need to pivot in order to survive. Skincare and men’s underwear are among those industries.
However, these industries may be able to adapt to a primarily female consumer base by marketing their products in new ways that appeal to women’s needs and interests.
Conclusion
While previous research has suggested that men may become extinct in the future due to genetic decay of the Y sex chromosome, a new study comparing chromosomes in humans and rhesus monkeys suggests that this may not be the case. While it is true that in some older men, more than 80% of their cells can be short a Y chromosome, it does not mean that men are going extinct.
However, it is important to note that men lacking the Y chromosome in some of their cells may be more susceptible to certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. The topic of whether or not men are going extinct has garnered much attention and debate, and it is likely that further research will continue.
It is important to continue studying the Y sex chromosome and its effects on male health, but for now, it is safe to say that men are not on the brink of extinction.
References
- The Y chromosome and male fertility
- The Potential Genetic and Social Implications of the Disappearing Y Chromosome
- The Slow Death of the Y Chromosome and the Future of Men
- Are men going extinct? Here’s the science
- Y chromosome microdeletion – Wikipedia
While previous research suggests that the Y chromosome’s decay genetically may lead to its extinction in five million years, a new study comparing chromosomes in humans and rhesus monkeys suggests that genetic decay of the male sex chromosome may have ended. Although men lacking the chromosome in some of their cells are more likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other aging-related ailments, Y chromosome microdeletion (YCM), a family of genetic disorders caused by missing genes in the Y chromosome, may also significantly affect male fertility.
While many men with YCM exhibit no symptoms and lead normal lives, others may find it difficult or impossible to father children due to the condition. Thirty to 40 percent of species may be threatened with extinction in the near future, and their loss may be inevitable.
