Red Queen Hypothesis

The Red Queen Hypothesis explains how species must constantly adapt and evolve to survive in a changing environment, especially to keep up with other evolving organisms. Named after the Red Queen’s race in “Alice in Wonderland,” it suggests that just as the Red Queen runs to stay in the same place, organisms must continuously develop new defenses or traits to cope with evolving predators, parasites, or competitors. Without ongoing adaptation, they risk extinction. This continual evolutionary arms race drives the diversity and complexity of life on Earth.