punctuated equilibrium (Meaning)
punctuated equilibrium (n)
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 & Antonyms of punctuated equilibrium
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
punctuated equilibrium Sentence Examples
- Punctuated equilibrium is a theory in evolutionary biology proposing that species undergo long periods of stability followed by short bursts of rapid change.
- The fossil record provides evidence supporting the concept of punctuated equilibrium, showing periods of stasis interrupted by sudden bursts of speciation.
- Punctuated equilibrium suggests that most evolutionary changes occur rapidly within small populations rather than gradually across entire species.
- The concept of punctuated equilibrium challenges the traditional view of evolution as a slow and continuous process.
- Punctuated equilibrium helps explain why some species remain relatively unchanged for millions of years, while others evolve rapidly in response to environmental pressures.
- Paleontologists often use the term "punctuated equilibrium" to describe the pattern of evolutionary change observed in the fossil record.
- The theory of punctuated equilibrium was proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge in the early 1970s.
- Punctuated equilibrium provides a framework for understanding the dynamics of evolutionary change and the origin of biological diversity.
- Critics of punctuated equilibrium argue that it lacks sufficient evidence and fails to account for the gradual nature of many evolutionary transitions.
- Punctuated equilibrium has sparked debates among scientists and continues to be a topic of research and discussion in evolutionary biology.
FAQs About the word 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 change
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
Punctuated equilibrium is a theory in evolutionary biology proposing that species undergo long periods of stability followed by short bursts of rapid change.
The fossil record provides evidence supporting the concept of punctuated equilibrium, showing periods of stasis interrupted by sudden bursts of speciation.
Punctuated equilibrium suggests that most evolutionary changes occur rapidly within small populations rather than gradually across entire species.
The concept of punctuated equilibrium challenges the traditional view of evolution as a slow and continuous process.
