Ecology
Mast Seeding
Synchronized, highly variable seed production across tree populations, with years of massive production (mast years) interspersed with years of low production.
Biological Context
Oak and beech trees coordinate mast years across large regions. The strategy swamps seed predators in mast years—they can't eat everything—while starving them in off years. Coordination requires environmental cues and probably tree-to-tree communication.
Business Application
Coordinated market timing: launching products simultaneously with industry peers to overwhelm competitors' response capacity. Also applies to synchronized defensive actions.