Is human selection the dominant force for evolution?

Question

Is human selection the dominant force for evolution?

Answer 1

Only if you're talking about domestic animals like dogs and cats or cows or something.

Answer 2

I think you might be actually asking about natural selection.  Natural selection occurs in humans when biology subconsciously affects our choices for a mate.  We still tend to choose mates that are more successful in our species overall.  This is a primary force of evolution, but not the only force.

The other force would be environment.  As we live in a general location for generations upon generations, our bodies subtly adjust to the surroundings.  This can be seen with people who live in higher, less oxygenated environments.  They have larger lung capacities.  Or people who live in very dry and hot conditions.  They usually have tight kinky hair to allow air to flow over sweat glands and cool the body.  The list goes on and on.

Human selection is more like what we see with dogs.  Humans have selected certain breads to breed and form desired traits.  This can only be done with certain animals, and none can be done to the degree in which we have with dogs.  (The Science Channel recently aired a very interesting program on this topic of dogs and dog breeding.)

Answer 3

natural selection. and environmental triggers

Answer 4

No. Human selection typically only affects humans and domesticated animals. Human selection is a powerful force in the eradication of food, pest and disease-causing species (e.g. passenger pigeons, dodos).

You might be interested in reading about "sexual selection" as it does relate to your question.