Food chains and Evolution

Most food chains have a major predator at the end, who are not preyed upon. Their numbers are few and their population is finely balanced because of competition, and lack or presence of preys(food and milieu both actually). Most of these predators, e.g. pumas, leopards, polar bears, sharks, are also confined to a few food webs. Humans on the other hand, form part of almost every food chain, not only because they can eat anything but because they inhabit almost every corner of this world. We also are at every level of a food pyramid, since we eat plants, insects, reptiles, mammals. Hence there is neither any competition for food or space, and the species growth is almost unchecked. The big predators can kill and eat us but we rarely give them a chance. The world population is estimated to be about 6.5+ billion, there might be more humans than ants, if you ask me.

As evolution occurred, the higher forms of life survived (devoured) on the lower ones. Atleast in the animals' cases. So at every level in the food pyramid there was a balance. The humans' case is like an exception. So how does nature go about balancing this anamoly. Either by restricitng the food and space needs of humans. This might soon happen with the way we are growing. Many parts are already facing food shortages. The other option is,a being that preys on us, evolves. Evolution is a slow process, and we might not see a different species till another million years. It might be though, that a world food crisis accelerates this evolution. After all, it will be survival of the fittest.

Choosing a faith

I am writing after a long time. So here are two short blogs.

Some time back one of my friends chose to follow a religion. Before that she didn't believe in God or any faith. She chose to do so, because her roommate had found a lot of comfort and peace. Since then I have wondered how it will be to evaluate objectively the various faiths and choose one of them based on one's liking.

Most of us are born into a religion, so it is difficult for us to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. It is also difficult to understand and appreciate other religions and their ideas. Many people even change their religion, sometimes embracing a diametrically opposite faith to what they were following. I feel it is very difficult, almost like relearning your basic arithmetic rules, and that too changed ones.

So how does one choose a faith to follow? What are the things that one should look for? Can the process of reasoning and analysis be applied? Some say that all religions are the same and based on the fact that God exists and He is all powerful. Then does it matter whether you follow or don't follow a particular religion. I think it all boils down to what you want out of your religion.