[SmartCitizen]

We mere humans can't handle the kind of staggeringly messy complexity that evolution can. Evolution tries out just about everything - and the vast majority of "prototypes" fail in the process. But when I'm designing something, I can only build & test one prototype at a time. I don't have enough time to pursue all the alternate designs that evolution is able to try out simultaneously.

It's quite interesting how you speak of evolution as if it has some kind of intelligence or is some sort of creative force (a common phenomena amongst your brethren). You can build and test prototypes - evolution can do nothing of the sort.

[anguish]

You can build and test prototypes - evolution can do nothing of the sort.

Species reproduce (building). If the new-born organism is suited to the environment it can survive to pass its genes to another generation (testing).

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"You can build and test prototypes - evolution can do nothing of the sort."

That is the defining characteristic of evolution. It vigorously tests the viability of any new arrangement of genes or any new allele (mutation). Those that pass, get to reproduce. Those that don't, don't pass on their genes.

[From many - one.]

Every reproductive act results in a prototype. Some do better than others.