Red Squirrel

Red squirrels cache lodgepole and other conifer cones in massive middens - piles that can accumulate over decades, containing tens of thousands of cones. The squirrels retrieve cones for food, but many are never eaten. These forgotten caches become de facto seed banks that can germinate years or decades later. The squirrel accidentally maintains the forest's genetic reserves.

Middens create unique microsites for tree regeneration. The accumulated organic matter retains moisture and nutrients. The cone scales decompose into humus. When cones in middens eventually open - from fire, squirrel death, or simple decay - seeds germinate into unusually favorable conditions. Some trees grow only from midden sites.

The relationship isn't mutualism in the strict sense - squirrels don't benefit from tree regeneration, and trees don't benefit from having their seeds eaten. It's an indirect positive effect: the squirrel's imperfect memory creates conditions for tree reproduction. The tree's strategy of producing excess seeds ensures some survive squirrel predation.

The business insight is that imperfect retention systems can create long-term value. Red squirrels 'forget' cones that become future trees. Companies that retain more information, relationships, or capabilities than they immediately need create reserves that may prove valuable later. The cost of maintaining excess is paid by occasional value creation from 'forgotten' assets.