Punctuated equilibrium is a theory in evolutionary biology which proposes that most species will exhibit little net evolutionary change for most of their geological history, remaining in an extended state called stasis. When significant evolutionary change occurs, the theory proposes that it is generally restricted to rare and rapid events of branching speciation.
Think of punctuated equilibrium like a road trip. For most of the journey, you're cruising along at a steady pace (stasis). But occasionally, you'll make a quick pit stop or detour (branching speciation), where lots of things happen in a short amount of time. After the pit stop, you're back on the road again cruising steadily.
Stasis: This term refers to periods in an organism's evolution where there is little to no significant change.
Speciation: This is the process by which new and distinct species are formed through evolution.
Evolutionary Biology: This branch of biology studies all aspects of the origin and descent of species over time, as well as their current forms, behavior and environment.
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