Ansoff Matrix

Biological Parallel

Ansoff's growth strategies mirror evolutionary paths. Market penetration: existing species intensifying within current range (wolves expanding pack size). Product development: same species, new niche (Darwin's finches evolving different beak shapes for different seeds). Market development: same organism, new geography (starlings invading North America). Diversification: new species, new niche (adaptive radiation after mass extinction). Risk increases with each jump from familiar territory—geographic expansion is safer than complete speciation, just as entering new markets beats launching new products in new markets.