Hedgehog Concept

Biological Parallel

The hedgehog concept: find the intersection of what you're genetically built for, what resources your niche provides, and what drives your fitness. Koalas exemplify this—they're genetically adapted to digest toxic eucalyptus leaves (what they're best at), eucalyptus forests provide abundant resources (economic engine), and no competitors eat eucalyptus (passionate about/uniquely positioned for). Extreme specialization works when all three circles align. But specialization is a double-edged sword—koalas face extinction as eucalyptus forests disappear, proving that hedgehog strategies are fragile outside their niche.