As for genes not trying to survive but that the process allows them to survive, isn't that the same thing? Genes can only survive if the conditions are right. They will take every opportunity, but they can't change the conditions.
Lois
Are you familiar with the evolution of minerals over deep time.
heck even walking in the desert and finding these incredible little micro oasis where one organism takes root and alters the environment just enough to provide habitat for another, then another, until there's crazy little community of life succeeding where there was barren earth.
Hell life conquering land, was an endless process of life developing niches where further life could exist, providing opportunities for yet further life to develop. Put whatever spin you like on it, that is still an active, environment altering and progressing thing going on there.