Punctuated equilibrium theory

Punctuated equilibrium is a concept in evolutionary biology suggesting that species experience long periods of stability, or little change, interrupted by brief, rapid periods of significant change. Instead of evolving gradually over time, species tend to remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, then undergo quick bursts of evolution when environmental pressures or other factors trigger rapid adaptation. This pattern contrasts with the idea of slow, steady evolution, implying that major evolutionary changes happen in relatively short, intense episodes rather than gradually over millions of years.