Evolution
Evolutionary Arms Race
Reciprocal adaptation between species locked in antagonistic relationships, where improvements in one select for counter-improvements in the other.
Biological Context
Predator speed selects for prey speed. Host immunity selects for pathogen evasion. Arms races can produce elaborate adaptations that seem excessive until the competitor is considered. The Red Queen effect describes perpetual running to stay in place.
Business Application
Business arms races: advertising escalation, feature competition, patent races. Understanding when you're in an arms race helps decide whether to compete or seek asymmetric strategies.