BCG Matrix (Growth-Share)

Biological Parallel

BCG's matrix maps to life history strategies. Stars are r-selected species in expanding habitats (high growth, high investment): bacteria colonizing fresh wounds. Cash cows are K-selected dominants in mature ecosystems (low growth, high returns): century-old oak trees producing acorns with minimal marginal cost. Question marks are experimental adaptations with uncertain payoffs. Dogs are vestigial traits burning energy with no fitness return—the appendix, or a beetle's wings in a cave. Resource allocation follows the same logic: harvest cash cows to fund stars, evaluate question marks, divest dogs.