Efficient Survival Machines and Almighty DNA

Survival machine, survival machine…. it sounds like “TERMINATOR” or something like it. I don’t know about you but I find it very interesting. Let’s go look for the definition of both these words! As I wait for my slow computer to load up for the definition of survival, I wonder, “How did Dawkins created this term? Why does he use it to state that every organism is one of them?
1. Survival / sərˈvīvəl/ • n. the state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in spite of an accident, ordeal, or difficult circumstances: the animal'schancesofsurvivalwere pretty low fig. he was fighting for his political survival. An object or practice that has continued to exist from an earlier time: his shorts were a survival from his army days. PHRASES: survival of the fittest Biol. the continued existence of organisms that are best adapted to their environment, with the extinction of others, as a concept in the Darwinian theory of evolution. Compare with NATURAL SELECTION. (Oxford pocket dictionary)

2. n. Machine: A device consisting of fixed and moving parts that modifies mechanical energy and transmits it in a more useful form. A simple device, such as a lever, a pulley, or an inclined plane, that alters the magnitude or direction, or both, of an applied force; a simple machine. A system or device for doing work, as an automobile or a jackhammer, together with its power source and auxiliary equipment. A system or device, such as a computer, that performs or assists in the performance of a human task: The machine is down. An intricate natural system or organism, such as the human body. A person who acts in a rigid, mechanical, or unconscious manner. An organized group of people whose members are or appear to be under the control of one or more leaders: a political machine. (Merriam Webster)

These definitions used in context with Dawkins’s explanation of genes make sense. “Survival machines” means: A device (intricate or simple) that works in type of systematical structure that enables it for the continuance of his existence. I believe Dawkins explains this concept with accurate examples. “Different sorts of survival machine appear very varied on the outside and in their internal organs. An octopus is nothing like a mouse…Yet in their…replicators…the genes… from bacteria to elephants …we are all survival machines for the same kind of replicator-molecules called DNA.” (pg 21) We can conclude that we have the same origin and that we are able to exist through evolution. So I think Dawkins created this term to explain the origin of biological organisms, providing him with pivotal information to use in his text. “Last but not least” I must again say that Dawkins is able to leave me in a state of wonder about his book. He mentions “DNA works in mysterious ways” (pg 21) a phrase that makes an automatic connection to religion. Either “God works in mysterious ways” or “The lord moves in mysterious ways” or any variation of the sentence, it is very crucial to note this phrase. He is giving science (biology) the importance of religion (a world wide concept) through a statement in his text. Nice job Dawkins, an efficient survival machine and DNA working as God, in ONE CHAPTER. That’s enough information for today.