punc·tu·at·ed equilibrium (p ngk ch -  t d)n. The theory that speciation occurs in spurts of major genetic alterations that punctuate long periods of little change. |
| punctuated equilibrium (pngkch-td) 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. |
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| Noun | 1. | 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 evolutionism, theory of evolution, theory of organic evolution - (biology) a scientific theory of the origin of species of plants and animals |
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