dhw: Of course they follow patterns, if evolution happened. Every organism inherited patterns from its predecessors, and every innovation had to take place in an existing organism. The patterns are hereditary, but every innovation is a departure from the existing pattern, and it is innovation that drives evolution.-If your thought is true, and we know convergence occurs, why does it occur in the same patterns? ->dhw: I don't see how you can have an in-between semi-programme, semi-dabble or semi-automatic inventive intelligence for INNOVATION.-If the innovation must fit guidelines, then it is semi independent or semi controlled, take your pick.