punctuated equilibrium

noun
1.
theory of, Biology. a hypothesis holding that the evolution of species proceeds in a characteristic pattern of relative stability for long periods of time interspersed with much shorter periods during which many species become extinct and new species emerge.
Also called punctuationalism.
Compare gradualism (def 3).
Examples from the web for punctuated equilibrium
  • The history of our existence on the web has been one of punctuated equilibrium.
  • So along come the punctuated equilibrium postulates which deepen the mire because you completely depart from long term evolvement.
punctuated equilibrium in Science
punctuated equilibrium
  (pŭngk'ch-ā'tĭd)   
The theory that new species evolve suddenly over relatively short periods of time (a few hundred to a thousand years), 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.
punctuated equilibrium in Culture

punctuated equilibrium definition


The theory that new species evolve suddenly over brief periods of time, followed by longer periods during which there is no genetic change. Punctuated equilibrium is a revision of Darwin's theory of evolution. (Compare gradualism and catastrophism.)