Each/any 4 dimensional universe is self defining and self contained. Rather like a constantly progressing simulation has been noted. All the information about the universe and its process are available to any consciousness that has the ability to detect, identify and use it.

Life, all life's, primary purpose is to identify, use, and transmit this information. Transmission methods are not required to be conscious, for example...DNA. Even the stimuli response in its most basic form is simply a way to detect information available in the universe and use it.

It could even appear that the gathering of information in the universe is the only purpose for life:
To identify this information and (in increasingly and always more complex ways) to record and transmit it.

Ever increasing complexity in life forms in order to better identify and manage information is the result. If allowed to develop- consciousness of some type will always emerge. There does not seem to be a limit on what kind of consciousness that can emerge, only that it is more effective than not conscious or purely reactive at identifying and using information.

In order to use information it has to be detected/identified. To become knowledge it must recorded and moved through time.