Timeboxing

Biological Parallel

Fixed time allocation emerges independently across foraging species. Lions are stalk-ambush predators that abandon pursuit when the energy required to capture prey exceeds the energy gained—optimal foraging theory in action. European starlings returning food to nestlings follow the marginal value theorem precisely: they leave patches when instantaneous capture rate drops to habitat average, not when patches are depleted. Bumblebees foraging flower patches depart after measurable 'giving up times' even with nectar remaining. Hummingbirds with metabolisms requiring feeding every 10-15 minutes show the tightest timeboxes—they'll abandon a flower after seconds of declining reward regardless of remaining nectar. The convergent insight: time boundaries aren't artificial discipline but evolved recognition of diminishing returns. Energy spent beyond the optimal departure point is energy stolen from the next opportunity.