Stephen J. Gould

Stephen J. Gould was a renowned American paleontologist and evolutionary biologist who contributed significantly to our understanding of evolution and the history of life on Earth. He emphasized that evolution is a complex, non-linear process shaped by both natural selection and random events like mass extinctions. Gould popularized the idea of "punctuated equilibrium," suggesting that species often remain stable for long periods, interrupted by brief, rapid changes. He also championed the importance of understanding scientific theories within their broader historical and cultural contexts, advocating for the thoughtful interpretation of biological diversity and development.