Scientific is hardly a bastion of computer programming! In this area they are simply wrong.
You’re a programmer, go and learn. If you choose to remain ignorant, I see no reason to continue.
You keep saying that without defending your position in any way.
I'm glad you agree that Scientific American doesn't know from peanuts.
The simple program, "reproduces", mutates the population, and selects(elitism) and uses this process to "step through" the solution space.(albeit in ways that make you unhappy)