The theory that evolution produces groups of species that are stable for long periods of time, but development of new species occurs rapidly when there is a significant change in the environment.
The hypothesis that evolution takes place in fits and starts; evolution occurs very slowly for quite a while and then, during a relatively short period, takes place very rapidly.
the view that long periods of equilibrium, when an industry's structure is stable, are punctuated by periods of rapid change, when structure is revolutionized by innovation. p. 98
The theory by Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould which states that evolution proceeds at an irregular pace, with long periods of stasis between moments of rapid change.
The evolutionary process involving long periods without change (stasis) punctuated by short periods of rapid speciation.
Evolutionary model that proposes that life remains fairly static and unchanging for long periods of time, and then undergoes rapid, major change leading to new forms of life. Attempts to explain the lack of transition forms in the fossil record.
Macroevolutionary changes occur as "sudden" bursts, separated by long periods of stasis, see also Phyletic Gradualism
evolution (cladogenisis) characterized by speciation events (punctuation) and otherwise, relatively few changes in traits ( stasis).
Evolutionary theory that species tend to be stable and relatively unchanged over long periods of time while new grades in evolution are achieved by sudden steps involving adaptive macromutations.
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
PUNK-chew-ate-ed ee-kwa-LIB-ree-um The view that life's history has had periods of little change interrupted by bursts of rapid change. 415
the theory that evolution occurs in huge and sudden jumps.
A model that holds that the evolutionary process is characterized by long periods with little or no change interspersed with short periods of rapid speciation.
theory that postulates that evolution is primarily cladogenetic, with new variation arising by speciation.
Macroevolution by rapid mutations with long periods of no change in between. This is not observed, not testable, and does not even have a postulated mechanism. Unchanging form and structure is observed in the fossil record.
A model of evolution in which change occurs in relatively rapid bursts, followed by longer periods of stasis.
The theory that evolution is characterized by geologically long periods of stability during which little speciation occurs, punctuated by short periods of rapid change.
Punctuated equilibrium (or punctuated equilibria) is a theory in evolutionary biology which states that most sexually reproducing species will show little to no evolutionary change throughout their history. When evolution does occur, it happens sporadically (by splitting) and occurs relatively quickly compared to the species' full duration on earth. For this reason, the theory is sometimes called evolution by jerks.
