Evolutionary reasons why suffering prevails in nature

Abstract

Evolution does not select for happiness or wellbeing but for fitness, that is, the transmission of genetic information. Many animals have reproductive strategies that prioritize having a large number of offspring, most of whom die shortly after coming into existence. This results in significant suffering. While sentience is selected for because it can increase fitness by motivating behaviors that promote survival and reproduction, it is not perfectly adjusted to maximize fitness. Animals may experience positive and negative feelings even if they will never reproduce or contribute to the transmission of their genetic information. Due to limited resources and competition, more animals are born than can survive, leading to short lifespans and difficult deaths for many. Even if resources were to increase, exponential population growth would quickly lead to resource scarcity again. Therefore, suffering likely outweighs happiness for many animals in nature. – AI-generated abstract.