Genes + Machines ?

In chapter 4 of The Selfish Gene, Dawkins describes how early replicators made themselves "survival machines" in order to protect themselves from other replicators. Within time these machines begin to navigate and move around by wings, legs, fins, and etc. Along with these new advancements, the machines also begin to develop consciousness and imagination. These mutations to the early survival machines helps in their struggle and fight for survival. This makes them have their own personality, and it allows them to think on their own. These brains allow them to defend themselves from their predators not only by instinct, but by intelligence as well.

The development of communication also came to be with the brains that developed in the machines. Communication became very important within the genes, but along with the good this new advancement brought, there also came the defect of lies. The genes figured that communication was vital and those who abused it could at times gain advantage of the other genes. With this, Dawkins paints a picture of the early brains being simple devices that became more complex in time. being that genes are not just single celled organisms, they do not just mindlessly replicate. They now have brains and thoughts to which affect everything they do.

Single celled organisms replicate mindlessly and exactly the same every time. The only time there may be a change is when a mutation occurs. When this happens, the organism changes only slightly. Eventually in time the organism will change drastically but it would take a long time for so many mutations to take place.