Evolution
Evolution | |
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Several stages of human evolution | |
First reference: | Genesis |
Evolution is the scientific theory that all living species are descended from a common ancestor.
References
Genesis
Dr. Chandra Suresh developed a hypothesis that humans are undergoing a new stage of evolution. In particular, some people have genetic changes that alter brain development in such a way that they manifest unusual powers. His son Mohinder scoffs at his father's findings, preferring to believe humans are not the top of the evolutionary ladder. He argues for cockroaches instead. However, after his father's death, Mohinder reviews Chandra's research with a skeptic's eye, and begins to unravel a mystery that Mohinder believes to be the reason behind his father's murder.
Don't Look Back
Mohinder ponders, "Is it evolution that takes us by the hand? Does science point our way?"
Eden tells Mohinder that she was going to give Chandra a book--Darwin's Origin of Species.
Mohinder discovers an algorithm in his father's computer, leading him to believe that his father found human beings who were evolving in unpredictable and extraordinary ways.
One Giant Leap
Mohinder muses, "When evolution selects its agents, it does so at a cost. ... This force, evolution, is not sentimental." Peter Petrelli shows his brother Nathan a copy of the book by Mohinder's father Chandra Suresh, called Activating Evolution. Mohinder finds a copy of this same book in Sylar's apartment.
Better Halves
Mohinder postulates, "Evolution is an imperfect and often violent process."
Homecoming
Zach gives Claire a copy of Activating Evolution, and points her to the spontaneous regeneration chapter. Mohinder remembers arguing with his father after having read the manuscript for Activating Evolution an unspecified amount of time before. Soon after this, he uncovers his father's encrypted list of evolved humans, discovered through the Human Genome Project.
Six Months Ago
Sylar quotes from Chandra's book, citing an "evolutionary imperative" that affects creature behavior. Later Sylar cites that phrase again, just before hitting Brian Davis in the head with a paperweight.
Unexpected
On Charles Deveaux's rooftop, Peter asks about Claude's pigeons. Claude says Charles Darwin bred pigeons while working on his theory of evolution, matching different genes to reach their "maximum potential". When Peter asks what that means, Claude says he believes it means someone like Peter.
Parasite
Sylar tells Mohinder that he is a natural progression of the species, and that evolution is "a part of nature and nature kills" after he declares his lust for a new list of evolved humans. Mohinder tells Sylar that what he is doing is not evolution -- it's murder.
The Hard Part
Over the phone, Sylar tells Mohinder that he is about to kill a lot more people. He continues saying that he understood his acts of murder before, he killed to take what others didn't deserve and that it was natural selection.
Lizards
Mr. Zern talks to his class about how lizards have evolved to regrow limbs. After Claire shows interest in this topic, West asks Claire if she wants to read a book on the topic, but she declines.
Kindred
Hiro tells Takezo Kensei that his ability may be a result of evolution.
Memorable Quotes
"I understood it before the killing, I had a reason - to take what others didn't deserve. It was natural selection."
See Also
- For other uses of evolution, see evolution (disambig).
External Links
- Understanding Evolution page by the University of California at Berkeley.