Product-Market Fit
Ecological niche fit describes when an organism's traits precisely match environmental demands—the biological parallel to product-market fit.
Before PMF, you're burning reserves hoping to find light. After PMF, photosynthesis exceeds consumption.
Ecological niche fit describes when an organism's traits precisely match environmental demands. Darwin's finches achieved 'fit' through beak morphology matching food sources—medium ground finches with 11mm beaks thrive on medium seeds. Organisms with mismatched traits face 10x higher mortality during resource scarcity. Germination represents the moment a seedling's needs align with available resources: light, water, temperature, and nutrients all present simultaneously. Before fit, organisms burn reserves hoping to find suitable conditions. After fit, energy intake exceeds consumption.
Business Application of Product-Market Fit
Marc Andreessen's product-market fit concept is germination fit - when your product (seedling) has found an environment where it can grow. Before PMF, you're burning reserves hoping to find light. After PMF, photosynthesis exceeds consumption - you're growing. PMF is the moment when the business becomes self-sustaining or has a clear path to self-sufficiency.