Darwin's Theory Applied to Cryptocurrencies

Darwin's evolutionary theory posits that adaptability to one's environment is crucial for survival. The same principle applies to cryptocurrencies, where survival depends on the health and structure of their ecosystems. To ensure their longevity, developers must prioritize building robust underlying networks.

Defining Crypto Health

Unlike living organisms, crypto health is determined by specific factors within the web3 ecosystem.

• Distribution: The number of token holders diversified across a wide range of wallets.
• Transaction Variety: The frequency and diversity of transactions, indicating a sustainable level of activity.
• Token Flow: The movement of tokens between wallets, reflecting the existence of meaningful transactions.

Avoiding a single dominant holder is crucial, as it inhibits transactions and undermines token value.

Measuring Network Health

Blockchain's open-source nature allows for tracking of transactions and measurement of network health parameters. By analyzing these metrics, we can identify thriving and declining ecosystems. Patterns associated with manipulation or crime can also be detected, increasing token risk.

Bitcoin and Polygon: Success Stories

Bitcoin (BTC) has established a healthy network with approximately 106 million holders and a 58% share of the total crypto market cap. Its high transaction volume (over 400,000 daily in 2024) contributes to its stability and value.

Polygon (MATIC) has also built a robust network with over 633,588 wallets holding its token. Its regular transactions (over 4,100 daily in 2024) and varied usage indicate its strength.

Dogecoin: A Cautionary Tale

While initially experiencing popularity, Dogecoin (DOGE) has failed to establish a healthy network. Its price spikes have been driven by short-term hype and pump-and-dump schemes. The majority of its holders are concentrated in a small number of wallets (535), demonstrating a lack of transaction diversity.

Despite recent surges, Dogecoin remains a high-risk investment due to its unsustainable growth pattern.

Focus on Network Health, Not Price

The success of cryptocurrencies depends on the health of their underlying networks. Developers should prioritize building robust ecosystems with sustainable and diverse transactions, rather than solely focusing on price increases. By doing so, they will lay the groundwork for long-term growth and value creation.

About the Author:

Simon Peters is the CEO and co-founder of Xerberus, a cryptocurrency risk rating protocol that analyzes token ecosystems using its Wallet Graph™️ technology. Xerberus monitors crypto asset health in real-time through an investor wallet network.