punctuated equilibrium

punc·tu·at·ed equilibrium

(pŭngk′cho͞o-ā′tĭd)n.1. The theory that the evolution of life on earth typically follows a pattern in which long periods of little morphological change are punctuated by relatively short periods of significant change, when speciation occurs.2. Evolutionary development of this kind.

punc′tuated equilib′rium

n. a theory that the evolution of species proceeds with long periods of relative stability interspersed with rapid change. Compare gradualism (def. 2). [1972]

punc·tu·at·ed equilibrium

(pŭngk′cho͞o-ā′tĭd) The theory that new species evolve suddenly over relatively short periods of time, followed by longer periods in which little genetic change occurs. Punctuated equilibrium is a revision of Darwin's theory that evolution takes place at a slow, constant rate over millions of years. Compare gradualism. See Note at evolution.

Thesaurus

Noun

punctuated equilibrium - a theory of evolution holding that evolutionary change in the fossil record came in fits and starts rather than in a steady process of slow changetheory of punctuated equilibriumevolutionism, theory of evolution, theory of organic evolution - (biology) a scientific theory of the origin of species of plants and animals

punctuated equilibrium

the theory that evolutionary change has occurred during short periods of rapid change punctuated by periods of stability Such a process would be characterized by the absence of an infinite range of intermediate forms, and supporters of the theory point to the vertebrate fossil record as evidence.

punctuated equilibrium

noun

Synonyms for punctuated equilibrium

noun a theory of evolution holding that evolutionary change in the fossil record came in fits and starts rather than in a steady process of slow change

Synonyms

theory of punctuated equilibrium

Related Words

evolutionism
theory of evolution
theory of organic evolution