[haywirez]

> Evolution evolved to ensure the survival of the species, not the individual.

Depending on which view you take, evolution can be seen optimized for the survival of individual genes, not species[0]. In Dawkins' book, bodies are portrayed as mere useful survival vehicles for various genes.

(I'm ignorant on this, would love to read counterarguments from someone better versed!)

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene-centered_view_of_evolutio...

[ogrisel]

Indeed virii are part of the evolutionary process and can insert genes into hosts from various species. Such genes can be successful from an evolutionary standpoint even if some of the host species disappear.

[skriticos2]

Not contradicting your core argument (though I'm sceptical about the significance in impact of this process), but you are certainly apt at mutating grammar: the plural of virus is viruses - not virii.

http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/3838/viruses-or-v...

ps: this is like kerning, you can't unsee it..

http://xkcd.com/1015/

[ogrisel]

Thanks :)