What is biological surplus?

Biological surplus refers to an excess of resources or energy within an organism that can be utilized for survival and reproduction. This surplus often occurs when an organism has more resources available than are required for basic maintenance and growth.

In evolutionary terms, biological surplus can be advantageous for an organism because it allows for greater resilience to environmental stressors, increased reproductive success, and the ability to invest energy into activities such as social interactions, maintenance of health, and development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Biological surplus can also play a role in ecological relationships, as organisms with surplus resources may be able to provide benefits to other individuals or species through cooperation, mutualism, or resource sharing.

However, it is important to note that biological surplus is not limitless, and organisms must still balance energy expenditure and resource allocation to ensure long-term survival and reproductive success. In some cases, an excess of resources can lead to negative consequences such as decreased fitness, increased susceptibility to disease, or competition with other organisms for limited resources.