"Have you ever said something like: I need an alignment done; my car wants to pull to the right? It is clear to the speaker and listener that the car does not want anything, it is just a manner of speech."
"In exactly the same way, when a biologist says 'the finches developed stronger beaks to better crack the nuts found on that island' it doesn't signify intent or design."
Intent is neither a feature of insect behavior, as we understand intent. Yet we happily talk about bees seeking flowers. Language is always analogical. When it involves birds and bees (or moths) we just notice it more.
[EDIT:] Actually I don't recommend it to you either. Just above this thread you're on about being "able to deduce the former existence of creatures that left no physical trace." Seriously? Hearing implies echolocation by predators? I can hear; so can many other animals. Is echolocation really that common? How would echolocation itself evolve in the absence of hearing?
It is amazing to be able to deduce the past existence of creatures that left no physical trace.
Well, unless they didn't have a past existence
Try not to pat yourself on the back too hard
