Matthew Effect

Biological Parallel

Positive feedback loops concentrate resources through winner-take-all dynamics. Canopy trees like oaks capture more light, grow faster, expand canopies further, shading competitors and capturing even more light—ectomycorrhizal fungi accelerate this through rapid phosphorus acquisition, creating virtuous cycles that lock in dominance. Chimpanzee alpha males gain priority feeding access, maintain better nutrition, which sustains physical dominance, which preserves feeding priority—rank begets resources begets rank. Gray wolves in breeding pairs monopolize reproduction, suppressing subordinate fertility through stress hormones while their offspring inherit social advantages. Success compounds through feedback: initial advantages (size, strength, position) generate resource capture, which amplifies advantages, which locks in future resource access. Biology is full of winner-take-most dynamics where small initial differences cascade into permanent hierarchies.