Sorry for the double post.
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Can the universe as a whole be also under the control of an evolutionary mechanism of some sort, in which biological evolution may be integrated?
This is an interesting question in that basic chemistry and physics govern both processes. However, the scale on which these things happen is quite different (eg, mutation of a gene compared to supernovae). But it isn't the scale that separates the two but rather natural selection. I can't think of an example where matter or the massing of matter is affected by a selection process (Eta may correct me on this). The closest thing that I can come up with is the creation of heavier elements in supernovae which then results in more "complex" arrangments of bodies, be they solar systems or space dust.
So the only way I see of integrating both types of evolution (universe vs life) is in looking at how things are passed on to the next "generation". That is, supernovae pass on heavier elements to the next generation of celestial bodies in a similar way that DNA is passed on to subsequent generations. However, celestial bodies are not changing so that they better fit their environments but rather trying to balance themselves within physical laws.
In the long run, I can't see a way to infer a common mechanism between the evolution of the universe and the evolution of species. I don't see biological evolution as a subset of universal evolution, but I can see them as being independent of each other.
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More importantly, why did life first emerge?
It might be as simple as "why did the rock fall to the ground when I let go of it?" If certain conditions are met life may just be a simple effect of chemistry just as a falling rock is a consequence of gravity.
The origin of life, however, is still very speculative (the Big Bang probably has better models at this point). In my opinion, huge amounts of progress could be made in this arena if life were found on another planet/moon/asteroid. It would be interesting to see if other life forms use different strategies for self-replication which could then give us clues as to the mechanisms and reactions that can lead to life. This is why scientists have high hopes for upcoming missions to Europa (a moon of Jupiter). If Europa does have liquid water and as a consequence it has life this could be one of the biggest discoveries of the last century, if not last millenia. I'm sure there are a few scientists who have wet dreams about Europa, hopefully they can make those dreams a reality.