上圖是傳統的漸變式演化模式，下圖則是間斷平衡理論所呈現的快速演化，並長期停滯。
間斷平衡（英語：Punctuated equilibrium）是一個演化生物學理論。此理論認為行有性生殖的物種可在某一段時間中，經歷相對傳統觀念而言較為快速的物種形成過程，之後又經歷一段長時間無太大變化的時期。
間斷平衡理論最早是由美國古生物學家尼爾斯·艾崔奇與史蒂芬·古爾德，基於恩斯特·麥爾的異域物種形成，以及其他一些遺傳理論所提出。
參見
延伸閱讀
- Adler, J. and Carey, J. (1982) "Enigmas of Evolution" （页面存档备份，存于互联网档案馆）, Newsweek, March 29, 1982.
- Brett, C. E., L. C. Ivany, and K. M. Schopf (1996) "Coordinated stasis: An overview." Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology 127 (1-4): 1-20.
- Erwin, D. H. and R. L. Anstey (1995) New approaches to speciation in the fossil record. New York : Columbia University Press.
- Fitch, W. J. and F. J. Ayala (1995) Tempo and mode in evolution : genetics and paleontology 50 years after Simpson. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.
- Gersick, C. J. G. (1991): Revolutionary Change Theories: A Multilevel Exploration of the Punctuated Equilibrium Paradigm. The Academy of Management Review 16 (1), pp. 10-36.
- Ghiselin, M.T. (1986) "We Are All Contraptions" （页面存档备份，存于互联网档案馆）, The New York Times, December 14, 1986.
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Michael Givel. Failure to Change through Multiple Policy Instruments and Venues the Tobacco Industry Policy Subsystem in the States from 1990 to 2003. Policy Studies Journal. 2006-08, 34 (3): 453–457 [2022-10-19]. ISSN 0190-292X. doi:10.1111/j.1541-0072.2006.00182.x. （原始内容存档于2022-10-22） （英语）.
- Gould, S. J. (1992) "Punctuated equilibrium in fact and theory." In Albert Somit and Steven Peterson The Dynamics of Evolution. New York: Cornell University Press. pp. 54-84.
- Gould, S. J. and N. Eldredge (1993) "Punctuated equilibrium comes of age" （页面存档备份，存于互联网档案馆） Nature 366 (6452): 223-227.
- Mayr, E. (1963) Animal Species and Evolution. Cambridge MA: Harvard University Press.
- Rhodes, R. H. T. (1983) "Gradualism, punctuated equilibrium and the Origin of Species." Nature 305 (5932): 269-272.
外部連結
