In the meantime, the experiment stands as proof that evolution does not always lead to the best possible outcome. Instead, a chance event can sometimes open evolutionary doors for one population that remain forever closed to other populations with different histories.

Chance events are an intrinsic factor in evolution. A very powerful one and profound in its philosophic implications.

I thought most believed chance was part of evolution. I mean, I've heard some say it's guided by Reason (at least for humans), this is hard to swallow, however.

There's also those who think evolution and teleology are combined, and that humans are both the apex and endpoint of all of evolution (and such was destined to be). Really? Oh great hubris!