In life the effect is to reproduce genes. The mechanism could be anything. To release seeds at a particular time. Or be tasty to humans. Or have pretend eye

In life the effect is to reproduce genes. The mechanism could be anything. To release seeds at a particular time. Or be tasty to humans. Or have pretend eyes that deter predators. The effect is the same. A pet cat is not getting propogated by humans. The genes for cuteness are using humans as a mechanism to spread themselves.