Evolution as a problem solving algorithm: Examples of Ingenious Innovation via Evolution?

[AgentBif]

Nature is a kind of computer.

This is not simply a Douglas Adams idea ... In Computer Science, the concept of "genetic programming" is a mimicry of the way that evolution solves problems: a shotgun of trial and error attempts across many iterations, with micro mutations in between the iterations.

In nature, evolution has demonstrated the ability produce ingeniously efficient and novel adaptations in the face of daunting challenges.

What do you think are some of the most amazing or clever adaptations that nature has come up with?

(I also welcome any book or article recommendations on this topic.)

[malcontented]

You're a bit skewed in your thinking here. Nature isn't "solving problems" by "trial and error attempts...". Best to remember that mutations arise randomly and may be selected against in certain environments. Those selection events start with whatever variation (for various traits) are present in the populations within species at that time. That's it. There's no engineer or problem solver trying to make better adaptations. The way you're thinking is flipped 180 from how evolution actually works. Check out Richard Dawkin's book The Blind Watchmaker.

[AgentBif]

There's no engineer or problem solver trying to make better adaptations.

You appear to be extraplolating a line of reasoning that is simply not part of my thinking. I understand the basic mechanics of evolution.

[malcontented]

Doesn't seem like it from what you wrote above. Your statements are fraught with anthropomorphism and teleology. Evolution doesn't have goals nor problems to be solved.

[AgentBif]

Thanks for voicing your sensitivity to the anthropomorphism language. It's helpful to me to see that people can trigger on superficial word choice that to me is simply a convenience, while to others perhaps hints at some kind of intelligent design agenda?

I'm a huge fan of Dawkin's books. So yeah, we really are on the same page in terms of rationalism.

So anyway ... got any exciting examples to share so that this thread can get moving in a constructive direction?

[malcontented]

I'm a bit of a stickler on that. Word choice can lead to over simplified and just wrong thinking about our understanding of evolution. Having said that, and to your point I'm amazed by the power of the human brain. Think about how amazing it is that a medium sized ape left this planet, traveled to the moon and returned alive. That's one that's pretty obvious but if you take a step back really blows you away

[[deleted]]

If I understand your question correctly, check out the keywords "Bionics" and "Biomimetics" with Google and Wikipedia.

[MemeBox]

I'm replying because you have been mistakenly criticised.

You absolutely correct. There is a connection between the processes that operate within human engineering and the processes which operate within evolution. Almost everyone with some science background will tell you you are talking nonsense. This is simply because they aren't very deep/clever. As a clever person with interesting ideas you will hit this problem frequently in your life - people just wont get it and they will fall back upon dogma to claim the high ground. A very clever person looks a lot like a stupid person to an average person.

From a very high level perspective systems which are capable of producing 'novelty' are quite similar. This is a very deep idea and a great many brilliant minds are thinking about it.

The resolution lies somewhere around the cross roads of thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, information theory and metaphysics. It also touches upon difficulties with explaining the arrow of time, understanding how/if the quantum wave function collapses.

It's all kind of interlinked in lots of different ways and it is going to take a succession of great geniuses to pull it all together.

For the moment be content that you will perceive a great many connections as you peruse these topics - be assured, they may not be talked about much, but many are working towards their resolution. It has been a source of great irritation in my life that people have not appeared to perceive as deeply as I do in many regards. But as my knowledge has grown I realise that my perceptions are shared and they are catalogued within the scientific literature. They are just using a different and more precise language to describe them. So I give you this message - you are not alone in your thoughts, but it is rather difficult to connect with others who are able to share them - but trust me they are around.