Reversible vs Irreversible Decisions

Biological Parallel

Semelparous species like Pacific salmon die after spawning—reproduction is a Type 1 decision with no reversal. Iteroparous species like deer reproduce multiple times, spreading risk across breeding seasons. The biological distinction between one-shot irreversible commitments and iterative reversible strategies shapes every major life history trait. Even at the cellular level, apoptosis (programmed cell death) is irreversible while most metabolic pathways are reversible—biology builds guard rails around one-way doors.