The Selection Process

There are three steps in Evolutionary Cycle: Mutation, Mechanical Adaptation, and Behavioral Adaptation(This too has evolved, so simple life forms only have one or two steps in their Evolutionary Cycle). To put it as simple as I can, first we buy a computer (mutation), then we learn how to use the computer (mechanical adaptation), and then we adapt it into our lives (behavioral adaptation). How we adapt the computer into our lives precludes the next computer we buy. That is a gamer will buy a different second computer than a journalist. Well, this is exactly how it happened with opposable thumbs.

Selection is the physics of the Evolutionary Cycle. Each stage of the Evolutionary Cycle requires a certain process of selection. That process of selection can only be determined by the individual and its environment. Since evolution is constant, selection is also constant; selection is always working, like time, whether it is visible or not. However, also like time, selection is relative to the individual. Thus, more importantly, the process of selection has also evolved over time; as life evolved, so too did its ability to evolve.

There are four steps to the selection cycle; Chance, Suitability, Competition, and Choice.

1. Chance is a single event occurring; everything begins with chance.
2. Suitability is two our more chances occurring simultaneously to create an environment - and one of those chances is that an individual would find itself in a suitable environment. Unsuitability is when an individual cannot cope with a change in the environment.
3. Competition is two individuals well suited to their environment fighting for the exact same resource.
4. Choice is the ability to avoid competition; or the power to create a chance.

It is important to understand that while this process is constantly moving, it has also evolved over time. And, all stages of that evolution are still present on this planet. That a tree will only have two steps in its selection cycle; chance and suitability, (No, trees do not compete... that is human bias. Trees simply evolve to be more suited to their environments.) while a lion has three steps available to it in its cycle; chance, suitability, and competition. Only humans have all four steps available to them; chance, suitability, competition, and choice. (sure do wish they would use them) But, this cycle occurs trillions of times in a single moment at different lengths and different speeds. An individual will have many different cycles occurring consecutively for each area of development. For example, a persons career might be moving at one pace while their romantic life is moving at another. Their career is stuck at a single disruptive competition, while their relationship is able to move past competition again and again.

Yes, it is damn confusing, but if you put a little time into it I guarantee you will see the world more accurately.