Researchers observed that the Mexican cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus) exists in two distinct forms within the same species: surface-dwelling fish with functional eyes and cave-dwelling fish that are blind and depigmented. Genomic analysis shows the two forms share virtually identical DNA, and in cave conditions the lens development program triggers early apoptosis, redirecting energy to traits such as enhanced olfaction and fat storage.

According to the study, this biological process mirrors a phenomenon described as competence blindness, in which companies that have achieved success lose awareness of the competencies that originally drove their performance. When startups experience rapid growth, they often hire quickly, leading to a workforce that becomes accustomed to prevailing practices; engineers who have not worked elsewhere may join hiring panels and select for candidates who fit existing norms, resulting in a self-reinforcing culture.

The organization may maintain strong brand and financial metrics while internal processes become fragile, requiring constant senior engineer oversight and suffering from outdated documentation. Management may view continued strong numbers as evidence of sound foundations, even as engineering practices are suppressed and the capacity for overdue maintenance is reduced.

The cave analogy indicates that without external pressure, such as competition that forces adaptation, firms can accumulate bureaucracy and waste. The study notes that the cavefish can regain vision when transferred to surface waters, suggesting that companies may also restore competence if environmental conditions change.

The research suggests that adaptation to a stable environment may be reversible if conditions differ.