As some theories suggest, most, if not all, biological features in organisms exist due to environmental factors that trigger the organism's eventual adaptation to these factors for survival purposes.  This characteristic of organisms can be tested and retested to be true, so assuming this is the case, why did humans (and disputedly other organisms), develop the process of experiencing dreams?Not to be confused with conscious imaginations - potentializing events/experiences - what evolutionary purpose does dreaming of unrealistic events/experiences serve?Also, consider nightmares and their anxiety producing feelings which the organism would most likely avoid if the event/experience were real.
What evolutionary process(es) are thought to have enabled humans to experience dreams?
learning;evolution;dreams;metacognition