Dangers of Adhering to an Obsolete Paradigm: Could Zika Virus Lead to a Reversal of Human Evolution?

Abstract

The recent emergence of a form of the Zika virus leading to microencephaly in newborn infants would continue to pose a major Global threat until its ultimate origins are properly understood. We argue that adhering to the obsolete paradigm of closed-box Darwinian evolution is a major obstacle to progress. If the Zika virus escalates unchecked its soma-to-germ line transfer might effectively lead to the emergence of a new human species with a diminished level of cognition.