Escape-and-Radiate Co-evolution
Unlike continuous Red Queen competition, escape-and-radiate describes punctuated innovation where a breakthrough allows expansion into new markets, followed by competitor catch-up.
Termed by Ehrlich and Raven (1964): plants 'escape' herbivory by evolving novel toxins, then radiate into new ecological niches (adaptive radiation). Eventually, some herbivores 'catch up' by evolving counter-adaptations, allowing them to radiate onto the newly defended plants. This triggers the next cycle. Occurs in episodic bursts - periods of innovation and radiation separated by relative stasis - rather than continuous back-and-forth escalation.
Business Application of Escape-and-Radiate Co-evolution
Unlike continuous Red Queen competition, escape-and-radiate describes punctuated innovation where a breakthrough allows expansion into new markets, followed by competitor catch-up. Understanding this pattern helps identify whether you're in continuous competition requiring relentless investment or episodic innovation with periods of advantage.