Citation
Life History Invariants: Some Explorations of Symmetry in Evolutionary Ecology
TL;DR
Energy allocation across survival, growth, and reproduction is constrained to 100%
Charnov's work formalized life history theory, establishing the mathematical framework for understanding energy allocation trade-offs that underlies this entire chapter. His equation Total Energy = Survival + Growth + Reproduction defines the constraint that organisms (and by analogy, companies) cannot escape. The book demonstrates that allocation patterns are not random but follow predictable rules based on environmental conditions, body size, and mortality rates. This provides the scientific foundation for The 100-Unit Rule framework.
Key Findings from Charnov (1993)
- Energy allocation across survival, growth, and reproduction is constrained to 100%
- Optimal allocation varies by environment (high vs. low mortality)
- Life history strategies are predictable based on environmental conditions
- Trade-offs are mandatory - maximizing all three simultaneously is impossible