Punctuated equilibrium
Punctuated Equilibrium (pronunciation: /ˌpʌŋktʃʊˈeɪtɪd ˈiːkwɪlɪbrɪəm/) is a theory in evolutionary biology that proposes that most species will exhibit little net evolutionary change for most of their geological history, remaining in an extended state called stasis. When significant evolutionary change occurs, the theory proposes that it is generally restricted to rare and rapid (on a geologic time scale) events of branching speciation.
Etymology
The term "Punctuated Equilibrium" was coined by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge in 1972. The term "punctuated" refers to the periods of rapid change, while "equilibrium" refers to the long periods of stasis or little change.
Theory
According to the theory of Punctuated Equilibrium, evolutionary change is not a constant, gradual process, but a pattern of long periods of stability, punctuated by rare instances of rapid change. These periods of rapid change are often associated with speciation events, where a new species branches off from an existing one.
Related Terms
- Stasis: A period of little or no evolutionary change in a species.
- Speciation: The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
- Phyletic gradualism: A model of evolution which theorizes that most speciation is slow, uniform and gradual.
- Evolutionary biology: The study of the origins and changes in the diversity of life over time.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Punctuated equilibrium
- Wikipedia's article - Punctuated equilibrium
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