Vilfredo Pareto’s logic, known as the 80/20 rule, applies in many fields, from economics to technology. But what many do not know is that this is also found in nature, in every corner of our planet and in each of the processes that take place on it
In geological processes, for example, the 80/20 rule can be observed in the formation of minerals and rocks. The 20% most common minerals represent 80% of the rocks found in the Earth’s crust (feldspar, quartz, mica, amphiboles, and pyroxene). Quantum physics also follows this logic, as 20% of subatomic particles are responsible for 80% of the mass of the universe (protons, electrons, and neutrons).
In biology, the 80/20 rule is reflected in the diversity of species of fauna and flora. The 20% of animal and plant species are responsible for 80% of the planet’s biomass (trees, phytoplankton, cows, and pigs). In chemistry, the 20% most common elements are responsible for 80% of the matter we know (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen).
This rule can also be observed in the predator-prey relationship, where the 20% most active predators are responsible for 80% of prey deaths (lions and hyenas in the Serengeti ecosystem).
In the business world, 20% of customers generate 80% of revenue.
The 80/20 rule also applies to human behavior and decision-making. 20% of the actions we take are responsible for 80% of the results we obtain.
This universal rule is found from quantum physics to biology and economics, demonstrating how nature follows a constant and coherent pattern.
