Reference point dependence

Biological Parallel

An elk that loses 10% of its territory through resource-defense-theory competition experiences this as devastating loss; a challenger gaining the same 10% feels moderate success. Same land, opposite evaluations—reference points differ. Gray wolves use scent-marking to define territory boundaries that become path-dependent baselines: once established, any encroachment triggers disproportionate defense. White-tailed deer and grizzly bears similarly evaluate outcomes relative to status quo through niche-construction—the territory you have defines your baseline, and changes matter more than absolutes. Survival is relative to current state. Your salary satisfaction depends entirely on your reference point, not the number itself.