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Definition: The concept of "punctuated equilibrium" has been proposed by Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould as a possible mechanism of evolution. According to them, most species are characterized by very long periods of relatively genetic inactivity - nothing much happens in their environment and so, lacking any particular evolutionary pressures, their genetic code doesn't really change much.
However, these long times of relative equilibrium are "punctuated" every so often by dramatic changes in the environment which, in turn, exert strong evolutionary pressures on individuals. Essentially, those ill-equipped to deal with the new conditions are most likely to die, and what we have is basic natural selection put on fast-forward. With this, Eldredge and Gould have argued that the rate of evolutionary change is variable rather than constant, which has traditionally been the general assumption among evolutionary biologists.
Also Known As: Punk Eek
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Evolution & Creationism...
Is evolution a science? Is creationism a science? What is science? Is there evidence for either? Religious fundamentalists often attack evolution, but rarely from a positions of really understanding what evolution is and how it works. This FAQ will not only teach you more about the nature of evolution and evolutionary theory, but it will also explain some of the more common complaints and where they go wrong.
