Evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS)

An Evolutionarily Stable Strategy (ESS) is a strategy in game theory and evolutionary biology that, if adopted by a majority of a population, cannot be invaded or replaced by a different, alternative strategy. In other words, it’s a tactic that proves to be resilient over time because it provides the best outcomes when most others are using it. ESS explains how certain behaviors or traits persist in populations because they are advantageous or resistant to being outcompeted by other strategies, helping maintain balance in the natural world.