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Asked by about80africans to Nick, Madgie on 18 Nov 2013.
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Nick Groves-Kirkby answered on 18 Nov 2013:
Not within my lifetime! I think it’s pretty unlikely, but not impossible.
As you probably know, we think whales and dolphins are mammals that re-entered the water. The whole process probably took 10-15 million years, so it’s not quick.
For this to happen to humans, there would have to be an advantage to us of having better water-based skills. For the moment we’re doing pretty well on land so I can’t see why there’d be a strong selection pressure for better swimming or increased lung capacity.
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Marlene Lorgen answered on 18 Nov 2013:
Ace question! As Nick has said, it’s not impossible, but something would have to happen which would make it an advantage for us to adapt to the marine environment. I would love it if I could live in the sea!
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Werner commented on :
There is a theory that was popular about 40 years ago that humans have evolved from apes to humans to live in water close to the sea shore and got most of the food from this region. By chance this theory was discussed again in a newspaper article in april this year. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2316128/Early-human-ancestors-aquatic-apes-Living-water-helped-evolve-big-brains-walk-upright.html_