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Evolution through natural selection is a dynamic process that involves change or variation gradually over time. Through adaptive or mutated feedback measures, the survival, growth, and perpetuation of an organism is based on its relative capacity to effectively interact with its environment. While the unit of selection depends on the particular system that is evolving, the descriptive mechanism of evolution as a variety-producing process is uncontroversial.
Evolution is also applicable to "inorganic" systems, such as technologies, languages, and cultures. Any informational unit that is capable of being passed on via a replicative process can provide the basis for evolutionary selection. However, there are key differences between the various types of evolution. The main distinction is drawn between passive and active modes.
Passive modes of evolution imply a gradual set of unmediated changes taking place without any particular goal or future outcome directing the change. Biological (genetic) evolution happens this way, with relative fitness being determined without any deliberate notion of progress involved. This passive mode is quite different than an active mode whereby alterations are engineered according to some anticipated outcome or future state. Technological or cultural (memetic) evolution happens in this way. There are fundamental differences in the rates, units of selection, and levels of sophistication implied in each of these modes of evolution. Passive evolution is more slower paced than active evolution, with less potential for novelty and variety due to the longer duration between generations and lack of directional feedback. It is crucial to realize that there are different modes of evolution reflecting different types of replicators, environments, and thresholds of self-awareness.
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