Commission bias

Biological Parallel

Action bias appears across territorial species facing uncertain threats. Gray wolves travel up to 30 miles daily patrolling territory boundaries even when intrusion probability is low—research shows territory surveillance is primarily for renewal of scent marks along territorial edges to reduce intraspecific risk. African wild dogs mark boundaries more frequently after detecting rival pack scent, even without direct threat. Territorial fish like cichlids patrol and display continuously, investing significant daily energy in 'action' that produces no immediate return. The trade-off: passive monitoring saves energy but provides no deterrent signal; active patrol wastes energy but creates visible evidence of vigilance. Evolution favors commission when action costs are low relative to omission risks—but this creates systematic overspending on visible security theater while neglecting invisible but critical infrastructure.