Hi & welcome, Pitchfork,
If I understand you right you're wondering...
1. Is this
conscious evolution? ... &
2. Why would God plan the circle of life with so much death?
IMO
1. Yes
2. Eternal progression
Maybe as we learn more, we reincarnate (something I'm still not sure about) to more friendlier worlds.
Somewhere in scripture, it's written how in the Millennium (the time when Christ is to reign on earth, or some may consider when all have "Divine Consciousness"), the wolf & lamb will lie down together. (Isaiah 11:6)
On a lighter note: they say, "You are what you eat." & "We are one."
It could be that we first experience unified connection physically so we can better understand & experience it spiritually.