Cuteness is an evolved trait in certain animals.

Humans are a prime example.

D'A

I'd say it is co-evolved. It's not so much being cute as the perception of cuteness that matters.

But the cuteness benefits the animal that possesses it, not the viewer.

But as a race...

I'm not sure what you mean

Individuals (in the biological sense) don't evolve.

Oh yeayah, that's what I meant. :)

"Cute" animals are more likely to survive for whatever reason. Those "cute" genes pass on to their offspring, yadda yadda yadda.

Humans perceive baby humans as cute (well, somewhat so, humans are born a bit premature as a species) so that they care for their own young. However, this generalizes. It generalizes very well to other mammals, and somewhat well to some other species. It is likely the combination of the thing trying to be cute, but mainly that humans find the look of a not very grown human cute, as having the adults perceive cuteness to be a big face with large eyes is what keeps things going. Cute is a subjective idea.

Cute bunny.

And still alive.

Evolved? No, just natural.

That rabbit is one of the cutest things I have seen in my life.