Humans

[Isaacr]

There is only one extant species of human. Is that an indicator that we're really successful or not?

[incitatus]

Short term, yes. But speciation is an indication of long term success, as it fits you for other niches. Most species go through an explosion/collapse cycle which cuts them down into species types. Humans have so far avoided this, but whether our ability to alter our immediate environment to suit ourselves will be as successful a strategy in the long term as in the short term remains to be seen. Ask the same question in a million years or so.

[Ginbottle]

If life insurance & human genetics link up, it would be your worst nightmare come true (at the moment it is on a five-year hold); the genetically wealthy would have, as opposed to the genetic underclass within a country. Maybe one country versus another selling body parts would be horrendous. Then again what are the underclass supposed to do if they cannot have Life Insurance? Would life be worth living with that knowledge?