Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M0295

Black Queen Hypothesis

Black Queen Hypothesis
TechnicalHigh supportEcology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Unlike the Red Queen, which emphasizes continuous running, the Black Queen hypothesis points out that some microorganisms actively discard genes for key functions (such as antioxidant production) because they rely on the "leaked" products of these functions from other microbes in the environment. This is an evolutionary strategy of "saving energy by depending on others."

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Understanding the essence of outsourcing and dependence. In a business ecosystem, some companies voluntarily give up core technology R&D (discarding genes) and completely rely on the ecological dividends of open-source communities or giants (scavenging). This can bring short-term cost advantages (energy efficiency), but also plants the fatal hidden danger of losing the ability to survive independently.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Metaphorically refers to the 'Black Queen' game: some members lose self-sufficiency functions and depend on 'public goods providers' in the group, just like players who get rid of the Queen of Spades in Hearts, where cooperation and free-riding coexist.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Queen_hypothesisZH · Explicit
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