Na'vi sociology

[Theorist]

Originally Posted by Raptor

If this is indeed true, would that mean that because of Eywa and the abundance of resources, natural selection is weak on Pandora?

First I must say this thread is rather interesting!

But, natural selection doesn't always occur. There's 5 things that can stop it from occurring if they all are met. I don't know if I can remember all 5, but let me try.

1. No mutations occur.

2. There's not a genotype that gives a noticeable advantage to an individual.

3. Relatively large population. So bottle necking doesn't occur.

4. Random mating. (Which simply implies that a species isn't consciously breeding itself for a specific trait, like if the Na'vi only let the darkest blue Na'vi mate. Which I don't think they do).

5. No genetic drift

edit: found it "The Hardy–Weinberg principle (also known by a variety of names: HWP, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, Hardy–Weinberg Theorem, HWE, or Hardy–Weinberg law) states that both allele and genotype frequencies in a population remain constant—that is, they are in equilibrium—from generation to generation unless specific disturbing influences are introduced. Those disturbing influences include non-random mating, mutations, selection, limited population size, "overlapping generations", random genetic drift, gene flow and meiotic drive. It is important to understand that outside the lab, one or more of these "disturbing influences" are always in effect. That is, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium is impossible in nature. Genetic equilibrium is an ideal state that provides a baseline against which to measure change."

Hardy

It is impossible in nature, but it can be produced in a lab. I don't know how much influence Eywa has, but it's possible Eywa could influence this maybe? And prevent evolution from occurring.