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. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| 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 |
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|