That sounds entirely reasonable and also extremely exciting. I didn't know there is so much research on that topic going on. Thank you for explaining that.

> Always beware of anyone using evolutionary biology to make an argument about the development of species.

From what I understand so far, I can just say that I dislike arguments of the form "feature X provides evolutionary advantage Y to the species, and that explains why the species evolved it".

In fact, it doesn't explain anything: Being able to shoot laser beams out of ones eyes would provide a large evolutionary advantage, but I still don't expect any future children of mine to spontaneously develop that ability - because there is no feasible way how the body could change to realize that ability, how that change would be transmitted from the parents or how it would even develop in the first place.

I think it could still be a useful shorthand if you already know that an aspect of the body is influenced by evolution, to explain the "direction" this feature took.

But I think I see what you mean, there is a risk of getting caught up in "it could have happened like this" speculation that is not grounded in any reality anymore.