NON-ZERO-SUM GAMES IN NATURE

cooperation in the wild

Cooperation isn’t just a human construct—it’s woven into the very fabric of life. In the natural world, symbiotic organisms abound—countless species form alliances, trade resources, and find ways to thrive together. Below we present a collection of examples that illustrate how non-zero-sum dynamics arise organically, offering lessons for human societies as well.

A hedgehog and a crab FURRY FRIENDS
the joy of interspecies camaraderie
Parable of a Polyp PARABLE OF A POLYP
from zero-sum to non-zero-sum
Crabs in a Bucket ARE YOU IN A CRAB BUCKET?
escaping negative-sum games
A peacock running from a predator COSTLY SIGNALLING
Jaiveer on buried mastery, Nash Equilibria and peacocks

Tell us about your favorite unlikely pairings.