nwr writes:
In terms of a society, the older members of a community provide a degree of cultural memory, often in the form of traditions and folklore. That the older member eventually die, allows the culture to evolve to better fit changing conditions.
I'm just describing what I see as what would have affected evolution.
Which parallels biological evolution: it's hard to get new green growth with old woody branches in the way.
What would be the impact of humans breeding across many generations? Well, outrage, sure, and great parties--but surely it would also slow the pace of evolutionary change.
It's no coincidence that death and sex are so closely related in our psyches: we needed them both to get here.
"If you can keep your head while those around you are losing theirs, you can collect a lot of heads."
™ Version 4.2