Abstract: In this paper the implications of the theory of evolutionary computation for evolutionary biology are explored. It is claimed that the concept of "representations" is particularly useful to understand the evolution of complex adaptation and the origin of the modular design of higher organisms. Modularity improves the adaptability of complex adaptive systems, but arises most likely as a side effect of adaptive evolution rather than being an adaptation itself.

• Introduction
• Variation and Variability
• Complex Adaptations: When are they Possible?
• Modularity of Development
• The Evolution of Modularity
• Conclusions
• Acknowledgments:
• References
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