Semantics as the Generative Force of Evolution: The Substrate as Operational Medium, Not Ontological Ground

This thesis argues that semantic processes are the generative entity in evolution, with physical substrates serving as operational media rather than ontological grounds. Four independent lines of evidence support this claim: (1) semantic encoding preceded complex morphology at the origin of life, (2) cumulative cultural ratcheting outpaces genetic change, (3) the extended mind thesis shows cognition is distributed across substrates, and (4) learned semantic patterns survive complete substrate dissolution during metamorphosis. The framework is grounded in manifold geometry and percolation theory applied to cognitive and semantic networks. Version 3.0, revised for academic peer review.