Retaining information is helpful for goal directed behaviors if the environment repeats patterns of behavior. Goal seeking adaptation We generally associate adaptation with goal seeking behavior. It is helpful to notice, that goal seeking behavior can be readily realized in systems that have feedback . A thermostat coupled to a furnace has goal seeking behavior. Physical systems, like fluid flowing downward in gravity, also display characteristics of goal seeking behavior.
Water flows around and even over small enough obstacles.
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.