In order to determine if and where intelligence impacts the development of life forms we must first have a consistent understanding of what intelligence is.
Current science differentiates intrinsically between instinct and intelligence. The scientific basis for this distinction does not appear to be very clear or consistent.
I believe that there is no proven intrinsic difference between instinct and intelligence.
By an intrinsic difference I mean a difference in the nature of their processes (and, e.g, not a difference in their supposed origins).
I would like to debate this with reference to a specific central example of a spider building a web.
I assert that this is an intelligent process.
For those of you who assert that it is an intrinsically different process called 'instinct', please present evidence of the intrinsic difference.
(Not for debate, but I actually believe that the supposed distinction arises only as a result of human desire for philosophical separation from animals. As such, it is a hang over from the biblical notion of man being made special by God and having dominion over the creatures).
I do not wish to discuss whether or not this intelligence is divine. However, I do propose that this topic goes in the Intelligent Design Forum.