The Red Queen

The Red Queen is a concept from evolutionary biology suggesting that organisms must constantly adapt and improve just to keep up with competing species, predators, and changing environments. Imagine running in place; if you don’t keep moving forward, you fall behind. This idea explains why species evolve quickly—because their survival depends on continuously developing new traits to stay ahead of their competitors and threats. The term comes from the Red Queen’s race in Lewis Carroll’s "Through the Looking-Glass," symbolizing the endless cycle of adaptation required in nature.