"However, the data before us demonstrate that, for at least as long as there have been humans, that natural processes are not the only factor at play in the development of life -- intelligent agents have had an influence as well. "
Of course you will give us evidence for this "assumption"?
Now, really, shubi. A "rational" person like yourself should know better to ask such a silly question.
You know that the Golden Retriever down the street was not a product of natural selection, but rather a product of human-guided breeding. You know that the wheat in your morning toast did not arise by chance, but was almost certainly a strain developed by researchers at an American university. You know that the corn in your Tostitos was most likely gentically modified for insect and disease resistance. You're no doubt aware of the large and growing field of genetic engineering.
Can you not simply admit that these are but a very few examples of how intelligent agents have influenced the development of life on Earth?