In evolutionary biology, punctuated equilibrium (also called punctuated equilibria) is a theory that proposes that once a species appears in the fossil record, the population will become stable, …

Punctuated equilibrium predicts that a lot of evolutionary change takes place in short periods of time tied to speciation events. Here’s an example of how the model works:

punctuated equilibrium noun : evolution that is characterized by long periods of stability in the characteristics of an organism and short periods of rapid change during which new forms …

Jan 15, 2021 · Punctuated equilibrium is a theory that states that evolution occurs primarily through short bursts of intense speciation, followed by lengthy periods of stasis or equilibrium.

Jul 23, 2025 · Punctuated equilibrium describes a pattern of evolutionary change proposed by paleontologists Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould in 1972. This model suggests that …

Punctuated equilibrium is a theory in evolutionary biology that proposes that species experience long periods of stability, or equilibrium, interrupted by brief episodes of rapid change during …

May 6, 2025 · Punctuated equilibrium posits that evolution occurs in bursts of rapid change interspersed with long periods of stability. It contrasts with gradualism, which suggests a …

Punctuated equilibrium is a model of evolutionary change that posits new species originate in relatively rapid bursts, followed by long periods of stability, or stasis. This concept contrasts …

…developed the theory of “punctuated equilibrium,” according to which evolution occurs in relatively brief periods of significant and rapid change followed by long periods of relative …

Jun 23, 2025 · The punctuated equilibrium theory is a concept in evolutionary biology that proposes that species remain relatively unchanged for long periods of time, punctuated by …