Genetics in 2100 C.E.

An Essay on DNA Among the Human Subspecies

Species and Subspecies: The Biological Species Concept

The Biological Species Concept—also known as the reproductive or isolation concept in biology—defines a species as:

groups of actually or potentially interbreeding natural populations, which are reproductively isolated from other such groups

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It is on this basis that the Homo sapiens of 2100 C.E. are considered as subspecies instead of entirely new species of Human. All of the subspecies have the ability to procreate with one another and produce viable offspring which is also capable of continued reproduction.
But this begs the question: "What makes these groups new subspecies instead of just technologically altered H. sapiens?" The answer comes when we examine the chromosomal patterns of each subspecies. This paper goes into further detail as to what is happening at the genetic level.

The Genetics of the Subspecies

1. "Pure" Humans
2. Cyborgs
3. Adepts
4. Psychics
5. Zombies
6. Mutants
7. Vampires
8. The Chimera Myth
9. Why Technological Evolution?

Detailed genetic analysis of each subspecies' chromosomes is clear. The DNA has been subtly altered in consistent ways that are clearly distinct from one another, yet without the effect of rendering offspring sterile.
It should be stressed that what categorizes a human as a particular subspecies is that being's DNA. Replacing an arm with a cybernetic limb or installing a wetware data drive in the brain does not automatically make that person H. sapiens mechanica. Likewise, a heart or kidney transplant grown using Rapid Gene Processing and Tissue Growth does not change one into H. sapiens novum. And not all who work for MyndMagick™ are H. sapiens animus. In fact, one could have a cybernetic implant, an RGP&TP heart, do data entry for MyndMagick™ and possess completely unaltered H. sapiens sapiens DNA. Unless a test is done, one should never assume the subspecies of any particular human.

"Pure" Humans: H. sapiens sapiens

Tens of thousands of years B.P. around the time of the last Glacial Maximum, there existed perhaps as many as six different subspecies of Humans, the most well-known of them (other than our own) was H. sapiens neanderthalensis, known as the Neanderthals. Yet by the Holocene epoch, whether by extinction or admixture (interbreeding), the only remaining "extant humans" were H. s. sapiens.
Despite attempts in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries at classifying H. s. sapiens into different subspecies based on the pseudoscience of "race" the H. s. sapiens genome is only disrupted by a few minor haplogroup variations. In simpler terms, looking at a blind DNA sample, it is almost impossible to distinguish with certainty the ethnic, national, or cultural identity of the donor. [note: some would argue that the mitochondrial DNA used in the early 21st Century by amateur genealogists to determine ethnicity does indicate variations. However, the opposite turns out to be true—that such research proved a multiplicity of DNA sources regardless of ethnic and geological origin.] In biological terms H. s. sapiens produce only H. s. sapiens offspring without any genetic variation. i.e. Humans are Humans.
Well into the 2060s, this remained the common conception. Technology had begun to tinker with Human DNA for nearly a century by then, but the common scientific consensus was that it was still Human DNA. Biomechanical implants and artificial limbs were seen as tools no different from eyeglasses, hearing aids, and artificial limbs. However, when maverick geneticists, such as Lord Alfred Ford Wright, began to alter the human genome itself and challenged the ethics of the biomedical establishment, the medical community took a hard look at what it meant to be Homo sapiens sapiens. At what point was a person no longer of the same subspecies, species, or even genus to be considered a Human? Debate lasted for decades, and even the criteria and biological classification system themselves were put under the most ardent scrutiny since Charles Darwin.
Those who had embraced increasingly advanced biomechanical technology argued that they were still H. sapiens sapiens, and where champions of the argument that the concept of Human subspecies was erroneous. Lord Wright, however, passionately argued that his "New Men" were a giant leap forward in the evolution of genus Homo, even claiming at times to be an entirely new (and superior) species.
It wasn't until the appearance of the Technological Singularity that all Homo sapiens faced an existential crisis unlike any before in history. For the first time, something possessed intelligence that was not only inhuman, it was not even DNA-based life. This caused the debate to broaden from the realm of intellectuals, lawyers, philosophers and theologians to the entire population of Earth. They looked at one another, but they did not see one Human family. They did not see similarity. They saw difference.
Great commissions were called on regional, national, and international levels. But it was the Great Ecumenical Council of 2078 that declared the other subspecies had split away from the parent H. s. sapiens species. The Council defined the parameters of each subspecies (at the time—later subspecies would be added and defined by later council meetings). And for H. s. sapiens, that meant that no more than a scant 15% of key genetic markers they had deemed "essentially and undeniably the domain of the Original and Pure Human Being as created by God Almighty, respective of these Holy Traditions gathered in one Spirit" [sic] could be altered.
When an actual analysis and census of all of the subspecies was finally concluded among the Earth's nine billion plus inhabitants, it was revealed that the "Pure Humans" as the Council defined H. s. sapiens had diminished to an alarming minority of all the Humans (now at 11.9% in 2100 C.E.). Whether the initial Council regretted its strict definitions is unknown, but the result was that those identified as "Pure Human" became more fanatic and insistent that they alone had the right to "inherit the Earth and have dominion over it." [sic]
It is ironic that, like the H. s. neanderthalensis they had replaced at the last major shift in global climate, now H. s. sapiens finds itself facing a similar fate.
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Cyborgs: H. sapiens mechanica

Even after the advent of Singularity, Cyborg scientists, politicians, and lawmakers insisted that the splitting of Humans into subspecies was unfounded pseudoscience. They admitted that Human DNA was indeed being integrated and manipulated by the use of nanites capable of rearranging genetic material. But, the reasoning was, this wasn't a permanent change. The basic genetic code was still intact. Even when it was proved that nanites could be transmitted from pregnant mothers to their fetuses, the denial of an entirely new subspecies among Cyborgs continued.
But when the Zero Virus was released near the end of 2080 C.E. and exclusively affected millions of Cyborgs worldwide, it was finally acknowledged that there was a possibility of a H. sapiens mechanica.
Studies had been done prior to 2080 on the effects of nanotechnology on Human DNA. After the Zero Virus, these studies were examined in greater detail, and so was the trail of suppression and denial by those who opposed such categorization for various reasons. Finally, the dissent abated. The studies over time showed that, in fact, decades of closer integration between Human and machine had started to affect Human genetics. Genetic artifacts dubbed "receptors", "DNA handles" and "plugs" had mutated to be more accepting of technological machines into a kind of symbiotic relationship on the genetic level. In some instances, infants once thought to be sick with some unknown diseases and deficiencies were revealed to be dependent on specifically designed nanites to make them wholly functional.
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Adepts: H. sapiens novum

From the beginning of Lord Alfred Ford Wright's bold declarations regarding "New Men" the assertion had been that Adepts were a new species or subspecies of human being*. Scientists, not to mention Lord Wright's political opponents, disagreed. Yes, it was true that Lord Wright's methods were producing results never before seen in genetics, but the naysayers maintained that splicing on, say, a fish tail was no different than putting on a pair of bioweave flippers.
But when Cyborg DNA was looked at more carefully and found to be truly different, the same scrutiny was applied to Adepts. It was confirmed that, indeed, Adept DNA also showed enough subtle variations beyond simple haplogroups to be deemed a distinct and unique variation of the H. sapiens genome. Like Cyborgs, Adept DNA has become more malleable, genetically speaking, and accepts Lord Wright's rapid sequencing techniques more readily than if the same techniques were used on other subspecies by an incredible 47%.
In contrast to Cyborgs, however, who show extensions and handles, Adept DNA is described as "scarred, gouged, and frayed" much to the objection of the New Geneticists. Cyborgs have come to rely on their technology to live up to their full potential, whereas Adepts are more like blank slates. Perhaps another reason for the "scarred" look of Adept DNA is that many Adepts change their genome several times in life, often taking on the latest in bio-fashion.
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Psychics: H. sapiens animus

Pure Humans, Cyborgs, and Adepts were at the forefront of the debate about the Human subspecies, but some scientists have claimed that the first real mutations to branch the Human race may have been hidden in the subtle rise of the Psychics of MyndMagick™).
So much of MyndMagick™ is shrouded in mystery, and this would include its history. However, between the advent of Singularity and the revelation of Outcasts, more information is leaking out.
The organization known as MyndMagick™ incorporated in 2052 and has done remarkably well, growing deep into the global economy and controlling much of it. In 2078, the organization made contact with Singularity, and subsequently offered its services in combating it, revealing that the psionic abilities of its members were capable of beating Singularity's inability to operate outside of logic, mathematics, and physics. Leaked information from the Vampire faction confirmed Psychic ability spanning back decades. The evidence mounts, and the speculation is that Psychics may have become H. sapiens animus somewhere in the 2040s or perhaps even as early as the 2030s.
Psychics, like most Cyborgs and many Adepts, don't appear out of the ordinary. And MyndMagick™ was able to make it appear that way until it could no longer be denied, thanks to Vampire revelations. In the blink of an eye, H. s. sapiens turned out not to be a third of the world's population, but split into three: 11.9% Human, 15.3% Psychic, and 5.6% Vampire.
The DNA of a Psychic is quite different than most of the other Humans, leading some to claim Psychics a new species altogether—maybe even a new genus. But a Psychic is fully capable of having offspring with any other Human. Thus, per the Biological Species Concept, which has become the primary legal basis, Psychics are considered a subspecies.
Mutations or manipulation (or both) have activated Human DNA long thought to be "junk" or "dormant". This has unlocked abilities that are still not fully known, or at least confirmed. Time manipulation, psychokinetics, thought and feeling transmission and reception, sensory manipulations (i.e. illusions), memory manipulation, and biological manipulations are at least among the abilities of various Psychics. But the long guarded secrets of MyndMagick™ is tough to crack. Our scientists have so many questions, but the legal juggernaut of the MyndMagick™ corporation maintains these to be trade secrets.
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Zombies: H. sapiens inanis

Zombies are the direct result of the first widespread malicious bio-code that fundamentally rewrote and destroyed the underlying matrix of several fundamental nanites used to regulate primary functions in Cyborgs (Augments). Prior to the release of the so-called "Zero Virus" incidents like this were relegated to isolated laboratory accidents. Regular push updates from biotech companies to upgrade system bugs were common, and any difficulties were minor annoyances at worst. Despite repeated warnings to the industry, however, the Zero Virus was unprecedented and catastrophic. Millions of Cyborg nanite matrices were affected. The immediate symptoms ranged from erratic behavior to psychotic acts of violence. The nanites took over brain function and irrevocably altered human DNA, in some cases destroying the very "hooks" and "plugs" Cyborg technology had come to rely upon to work.
At this time, there is no known cure for what became known as zombification. Laboratory results indicate that the DNA is damaged down to the genetic level. It is unthinkable, but any reproduction between a Zombie and another human has a very likely chance of producing another Zombie. Worse yet, Zombies still in the wild carry their malicious nanites infected with the Zero Virus, and should those nanites infect any other human through any bodily fluid (such as saliva, blood, tissue, etc.) the nanites will immediately attack the victim's brain cells to alter their DNA and create another Zombie.
The cliche moniker "Zombie" is childish, yet horrifyingly accurate.
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Mutants: H. sapiens mutata

The term "Mutant" and the biological definitions and subspecies designation is perhaps the most controversial of all of the subspecies of human being. In many ways, it is a catch-all term. The genetic codes are messy and tend to describe more of who and what they are not rather than describe who they are.
Evolutionary scientists still agree that the primary driver of "normal" biological evolution in species. One theory that gained credibility in the early 21^st Century was that genetic mutations are actually very common, yet are often so small and benign that they are not widely noticed. In the popular culture, a mutation was imagined to be a radical departure from the species norm, often depicted in cartoonish ways (for example, a fish jumping out of the cooling pond, nuclear reactor in the background, having three or more eyes). But the theory states that in reality, the numerous variations, defects, or alterations in our DNA don't normally prove to create new species or even subspecies. They are actually quite normal and mundane.
In normal situations, that is the case. But as the environment changed and new pressures related to climate, food shortages, pollution, radiation, and overpopulation increased, so did the number and severity of genetic mutations. This has lead scientists to give more credence to the theory that new species and subspecies only naturally depart from their parent species in times of crisis and extreme environmental pressures or changes such as from natural disasters, sudden geographic isolation, famines, and invasive species predation leading to destabilizing population shifts. The key word here, however, is "naturally".
The so-called Climate Denial of the early 21^st Century stalled political response to anthropogenic climate change due to carbon dioxide emissions, putting further strain on vast ecological systems. This was so effectively denied, especially by the largest emitters of carbon and other environmental pollutants in the name of economics and corporate profit, that the denial grew from stalling political action to removing regulatory oversight, and even on to reversing previous protections affecting air and water quality.
The collapse of the global food network, unprecedented overcrowding, pollution, microplastic ingestion, disease, and nuclear and electromagnetic radiation are blamed for the sudden rise of the "natural" mutations of Earth's humans, animals and plants. In the mid-Twenty First Century, large numbers of infants were born with severe malformaties. Grain production made great shifts pole-ward devastating former breadbasket economies, but before new areas of grain production could be established to compensate in places like Siberia and Canada, new diseases arose in those areas. These diseases and an increased use of pesticides impacted plants, animals, and people alike. Energy consumption prompted more fracking, resulting in increased water pollution as well as the accelerated burning of fossil fuels resulting in increases in air pollution and further carbon emission. But it also prompted more use of nuclear reactors, and due to decreased regulation, accidents as well as semi-legal dumping of spent fuel rods around the world caused even more genetic mutation in all forms of life (for example, nuclear radiation is blamed for the Blue Pox and Cattle Flu ). An as several southern glaciers in Greenland surprised the world with their sudden collapse, new diseases also appeared, thought to have been trapped viruses and bacteria from millions of years ago, now unleashed into a new warmer world.
Mutants come from two parentages: the first were H. s. sapiens as a result of these devastating environmental changes. They continue to persist among the poorest Human regions on the planet where pollution and garbage accumulation persist. But the second parentage comes from H. s. novum. One of the most successful responses to the global environmental catastrophes was the perfection of new genetically enhanced and altered organisms. Instead of solving problems, Wright's New Geneticists invented species of plant, animal, and human to withstand these changes. New crops needing little water and no pesticide were more resilient and produced amazing yields. Animals on the brink of extinction were "buffed up" and even extinct species were recreated to either be released into the wild or, as in the case with some revived prehistoric creatures, put in zoological attractions. New lungs, hearts, and kidneys were grown first as transplants, then directly altered to repair themselves as renewed human tissue.
But, for some reason, a percent of humans exposed to New Genetics rejected the rapid gene therapies. Horrible results, once a product of a slow and mostly benign or manageable evolutionary mutation process, exploded across the globe. In most cases, the rapid gene splicing techniques were nearly impossible to detect in patients before the process was applied. And many whose therapies seemed successful at first, suddenly and inexplicably turned catastrophic. Within a decade, these "mistakes", as they were called, numbered millions.
The debate among factions as to the existence of Mutants as a separate subspecies is contentious. New Men Adept scientists insist that Mutants are a separate subspecies distinct from H. s. novum and H. s. sapiens. Now it is known that certain formerly ignored markers on the fifth, sixth, twelfth, and (debated) male Y-chromosome indicate that the New Genetics will result in rejection of the therapy. Adepts insist that these mutations result in a new subspecies. Other genetic researchers, especially Psychics, debate this, saying that the inability to accept rapid gene sequencing as the definition of whether Mutants are a new subspecies altogether is ridiculous logic. Psychics are fond of quoting from their "Little Red Book" that "The only difference between a flower and a weed is your perception." However, Adepts counter that the same characteristics of other subspecies—Cyborg Augment DNA "handle" and "plugs", Adept DNA "gouges"/"genetic troughs" or "frays"/"genetic splice adaptations", and Psychic "dormant"/"junk" DNA—can also be applied to Mutants. Their DNA is different, thus they are a different subspecies.
While the scientific debate rages on, the cultural impacts are undeniable. Despite the science, Mutants are treated as a separate subspecies, often with great prejudice and disenfranchisement. It is no wonder that Mutants worldwide felt liberated by the Outcast Movement and make up its most visible and energetic ranks. They may be the face rejected by the New Men, but they are the face of the Outcast Movement. Without them, the movement's legitimacy would be nonexistent.
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Vampires: H. sapiens tenebris

Given the extremely clandestine activities of Vampires, we know least about their DNA. Some specimens provided by MyndMagick™ and even a little data obtained through the Singularity reveal that Vampire DNA is similar to that of the Psychics. However, MyndMagick™ insists that Vampires are a distinct subspecies, prompting counter-accusations from Adepts that their classification is no different from their insistance that Mutants are also a subspecies.
It is unknown if the Vampires arose at the same time as the Psychics or after them as a further mutation. Given that we don't even know much about Psychic DNA, it is currently impossible to tell. All indication is that whatever mutation caused the Psychics further developed into Vampires. Therefore, the speculation is that Vampires exhibit the same capabilities as Psychics, but also seem to have developed an additional trait along with a horrible defect. Vampires are able to block, modify, and alter Psychic MyndKast™ rendering their identity as Vampires impossible to detect by psychic means alone. However, along with this ability comes a price. It seems that, according to MyndMagick™, there is a deficiency in Vampire psychic energy which causes them to siphon this off of other species. Thus, instead of the old Twentieth Century silent film image of a caped Bela Lugosi sucking blood, the Vampire on the eve of the Twenty-Second Century sucks "mind" (whatever that is^†).
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The Myth Regarding Chimeras

All of this raises the question: If it is true that these are truly different subspecies of Homo sapiens rather than distinct species, why are there not even more subspecies when two parents belonging to different subspecies interbreed? What happens if, for example, an Adept father and a Cyborg mother have a child? Isn't that child half-Adept and half-Cyborg (a "Chimera" as is the popular but derisive term)?
This is why the "Pure Human" subspecies is all in one gene pool. If a Human from Africa and a Human from Australia have a child, that child would possess chromosomes from both parents that express themselves according to a combination of dominant traits. However, the chromosomal makeup of our theoretical Adept/Cyborg child would instead form its genetic matrix to one or the other subspecies markers.
For all of the advancements in genetic manipulation, there is still a lot that we do not know about it. Within the first few cell divisions of a Human zygote after fertilization, the resulting infant takes on either the DNA structure of the mother or father. Statistically, it is a coin toss. Cutting edge geneticists can influence traits, sex, and other aspects of gene expression, but it is unknown why a zygote "chooses" one subspecies pattern. Once chosen, that child's DNA (with rare exceptions) will remain of the same subspecies.
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Why Technological Evolution?

Beneath the question of subspecies lies yet another question: Is it really evolution if it is technologically induced? Evolution, after all, is based on Darwin's theory of natural selection. Technology, however, takes the "natural" part out of the system. So is this really evolution if the Human species now actively selects its own future over the course of months instead of millennia? And why are human beings choosing this transition in the first place?
The answer to the first part is still being debated today. There may never be an answer, and by the time that there is, it may be a moot point anyway.
The answer to the second is complicated and depends on which subspecies is examined for motive. For the Cyborgs, it started as a steady progression of the integration of information and mechanical devices, and biological interface grew into a unity. At the same time as the line between mechanical and biological blurred, so did the technology also become miniaturized to the nanoscopic level with machines now smaller than cells and able to be more efficient at administering medicine, tissue and DNA repair, and the like. At this point, the integration, though somewhat artificial, is now necessary.
For the Adepts, their motivation was a mixture of curiosity to see just what could be accomplished and as a response to the failures and deficiencies of Cyborg technology. For Psychics, it was a necessity to advance their ability and their philosophy. And for those collectively called Outcasts, they simply had no choice but were the results of multiple failures.
But another reason for technological evolution, voluntary or involuntary, mechanical, genetic or mental, perhaps the greatest underlying impetus was the strain of human technology on the ecosystem and the human population reaching a proportion beyond the carrying capacity of the planet. Cyborgs and Adepts have to use their means to survive. Sea level rise has made is necessary to colonize the oceans, and who better to do that than the New Men with their new gills and fins? Air quality from forest fires and smog has made it necessary for Cyborgs to use lung-scrubbers. Genetic advances have replaced extinct species, fortified threatened ones, and created new forms of plant life able to feed the planet and produce more oxygen to combat the rise of carbon dioxide emissions. Psychics are capable of subverting and defeating the Singularity and are able to coordinate instantaneously and with greater efficiency than the mess that the Internet became. Without technology, humans would not be able to colonize the Moon or Mars (and there are eyes on Venus or the Jovian Moons) or repair the effects of cosmic radiation of those space hotels and cities in orbit.
And yet, there are those who question if all of this is truly "wise" for H. sapiens. We are now more dependent than ever on our technology. Will it ever collapse? Instead of fixing our problems, like over-consumption, ecological damage, global climate change, sea level rise, biodiversity depletion, food scarcity, human rights, etc. we as a species have simply invented ways to cope.
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