Last Mover Advantage

Biological Parallel

In ecological succession, pioneer species (mosses, lichens) colonize bare rock first but get outcompeted by later arrivals. Climax species like oak and beech move last, after pioneers have built soil and shade—then dominate for centuries. Last movers win when pioneers create infrastructure (nutrients, networks, customer education) that benefits those who arrive with superior resource capture. The trick is timing: move last, but before succession stalls.