Biological Evolution and Information Acquisition

The article explores how biological evolution acquires information efficiently by using modularity—similar to how economist Brian Arthur's circuit simulation evolves complex technologies from simple components. Evolution leverages genetic modularity through mechanisms like sexual reproduction and horizontal gene transfer to spread useful genetic variants through populations faster than asexual reproduction alone would allow. The author illustrates this concept with a simple simulation showing how organisms can increase their rate of information acquisition over generations by recombining and selecting beneficial genetic traits.