punctuated equilibrium
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9.2
- noun
- /ˈpʌŋk.tʃu.eɪ.tɪd ˌiː.kwɪˈlɪb.ri.əm/
- Specialized
- Many scientists believe that punctuated equilibrium better explains the patterns observed in the history of life on Earth.
- theory of punctuated equilibrium
- case for punctuated equilibrium
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Watch on YouTubeBut, but the concept of punctuated equilibrium was a very important concept in evolutionary biology.
- But, but the concept of punctuated equilibrium was a very important concept in evolutionary biology.
Examples
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The two younger scientists—who gained joint acclaim for their theory of punctuated equilibrium—both studied under Dr. Newell as graduate students.
Academic text (2002) -
I am delighted to report that two such pioneering studies have been published in the past few years, and both support punctuated equilibrium.
Academic text (1992) -
More largely, the punctuated equilibrium debate is really an argument about the fundamental nature of change.
Academic text (1992) -
Opus 200 shall discuss the theoretical idea most central to my work: punctuated equilibrium.
Academic text (1992) -
But my greatest pleasure has been the passage of punctuated equilibrium from a much-debated theory to an ordinary instrument of active research.
Academic text (1992) -
I suspect that the remark in the article rests on a misunderstanding of the theory of punctuated equilibrium.
Blog text (13) -
On this proper ground, I am confident that punctuated equilibrium does prevail as the primary molder of pattern in the fossil record.
Academic text (1992) -
Thus, they call this the notion of punctuated equilibrium, long periods of equilibrium and stasis punctuated by periods of very rapid change.
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The theory of punctuated equilibrium proposes that species evolve through long periods of stability interrupted by short bursts of rapid change.
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According to punctuated equilibrium, the fossil record shows rapid evolutionary changes followed by long periods without significant change.
Synonyms
1
9.2
Long periods of little change followed by short, fast bursts of new species forming
Antonyms
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase literally combines 'punctuate' (to interrupt at intervals) and 'equilibrium' (a stable state), so a learner who knows both words can infer a notion of stability being periodically interrupted. However, the MWE denotes a specific technical evolutionary theory (rapid bursts of change separated by long stasis), which is a specialized extension not fully predictable from the basic constituents, so it is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Punctuated equilibrium comes from a simple picture: equilibrium means a long, calm balance and punctuated means marked by sudden points, like a flat line with quick spikes. So the term describes species staying the same for 'long quiet periods' and then changing in 'short bursts of change'.