Age-Based Triggers
Age-based triggers sacrifice individual optimization for population-level benefit.
Age-based triggers sacrifice individual optimization for population-level benefit.
Some species use age-based triggers regardless of size. Bamboo flowers on a fixed schedule: every 40, 60, or 120 years depending on species. Nearly all individuals (90-95%) flower within the same year, regardless of whether they grew in full sun (large) or deep shade (small). This extraordinary synchrony is genetically controlled. The trade-off: Age-based triggers sacrifice individual optimization (some plants flower when too small, others delay when they could flower earlier) for population-level benefit (synchronized predator satiation).
Business Application of Age-Based Triggers
Age-based triggers sacrifice individual optimization for population-level benefit. Industry-wide synchronized events (like IPO windows or acquisition waves) may benefit the ecosystem even if timing isn't optimal for individual companies.