From the perspective of Richard Dawkins / The Selfish Gene, there are two distinct incarnations of evolution, driven by the same force (natural selection). Gen

From the perspective of Richard Dawkins / The Selfish Gene, there are two distinct incarnations of evolution, driven by the same force (natural selection). Genetic; unit of selection is the gene, substrate is DNA: responsible for our biological development; our eyesight, innate cognitive capacity, etc. Responsible also for the past ~4 billion years of exponential growth in biological complexity. Survival of the gene drives natural selection, so it requires embodied survival. Memetic; unit of selection is the idea/“meme”, substrate is our brains: responsible for civilization, invention, cultural development. Responsible for the last ~20,000 years (or within that order of magnitude) of the development of culture, science, and civilization. Survival of the idea is what drives natural selection, not of the biological phenotype/person/brain carrying it.