For example, if there were an image-processing algorithm that used many fewer operations overall, but where those operations were more serial and less parallel—e.g. it required 1000 sequential steps for each image—then I think evolution would not have found it, because brains are too slow.
Peter Watts would like you to ponder how Portia spiders think about what they see. :)
Is that link safe to click for someone with Arachnophobia?
no pictures
Yes. Photos are a lot of work to include, and anyway, jumping spiders are famously cute (as far as spiders go).
I wish the cuteness made a difference. Interesting reading though, thanks.