SWOT Analysis

Biological Parallel

An organism's fitness depends on internal traits (strengths/weaknesses) interacting with external conditions (opportunities/threats). A polar bear's thick fur and fat reserves are strengths in Arctic hunting, weaknesses in warming climates. Melting ice creates threats (reduced seal access) but opportunities (new coastal foraging). SWOT codifies what every organism does instinctively: assess internal capabilities against environmental realities to determine viable strategies. Mismatches between internal state and external context drive both extinction and adaptation.