The goal seeking behavior of water includes feedback because of the collective interactions of water molecules and surface tension. Equilibrium chemical systems composed of reactive substances also adapt to changes in a well understood way. One of the greatest scientific controversies in recent times was caused by the suggestion that the biosphere is an adaptive system that responds to changes. It is helpful to note that the basic adaptive response associated with Gaia is no more than what is displayed by a chemical reaction. A collection of organisms can also respond to environmental change.
Evolution is the adaptive response of a group of organisms that occurs over many generations.
Evolutionary changes reflect the response of the collection of organisms to their environment. Since goal directed behaviors are generally associated with adaptation, the concept of the will to survive in animals plays an important role in conceptual aspects of evolutionary theory. All rights reserved.