Physiological Redundancy
Many human organs exist in pairs: kidneys, lungs, ovaries, testes, adrenal glands.
Many human organs exist in pairs: kidneys, lungs, ovaries, testes, adrenal glands. This anatomical redundancy provides backup - individuals can survive with only one kidney or lung. Kidneys together filter ~180 liters daily, far exceeding the minimum ~30 liters required. This excess capacity means losing one kidney allows continued health as the remaining kidney undergoes compensatory growth. The liver can regenerate extensively; individuals can lose 70% and recover full function.
Business Application of Physiological Redundancy
Paired organs demonstrate the value of maintaining substantial functional reserve - capacity far exceeding typical requirements provides robustness to injury, tolerance of aging, and accommodation of variable demands without immediate performance degradation.