Final answer:
Rick Potts suggests that the success of human evolutionary history is due to being 'generalists'—adaptable and able to survive in various conditions. 'Survival of the generalist' replaces the notion of 'survival of the fittest' with a focus on the flexibility of humans to cope with diverse environmental challenges, although this has raised concerns about the impact on other species and the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rick Potts describes the evolutionary history of the human species through the lens of adaptation and natural selection. According to Potts, the concept of "survival of the fittest" often misconstrued as the survival of the strongest or the fastest. Instead, Potts subscribes to the idea that it's the "survival of the generalist"—species with the ability to thrive in a variety of environments and to adapt to changes. This trait has allowed humans to survive various environmental pressures. The term emphasizes the importance of versatile and adaptable traits, rather than specialized ones that fare well only under specific conditions.
The ability of the genus Homo to adapt and survive has been tested through challenges such as climate change, changes in diet, and geographic isolation. The human species has thrived by developing a wide range of biological and cultural variations, embodying the 'generalist' aptitude that Potts highlights. However, it is also important to note that Potts and others have raised concerns about how humans, in becoming so successful, may be impacting the survival of other species and the health of the planet.