I was thinking the same thing. When I "play" with a new language or tool or concept, I try lots of different scenarios (search), until I can reliably predict how the new thing will work (learning).
Also, as in evolution, ~random variations occur during neuronal proliferation, so there's also selection on epigenetic differences. The same sort of process occurs in the immune system.
In this way, organisms can transcend limitations of their genetic sequences. There's learning at levels of both structure and function.