Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
saltationism
noun
/sælˈteɪʃənˌɪzəm/
Definition
Saltationism is the belief or theory that changes in organisms occur in sudden leaps or saltations rather than through gradual evolution.
Examples
- Saltationism suggests that new species can arise rapidly under certain environmental pressures.
- In the debate of saltationism versus gradualism, many evolutionary biologists have explored which best explains the fossil record.
- Some scientists criticized saltationism for lacking sufficient evidence to support its claims.
Meaning
The concept that evolutionary changes happen in bursts rather than through slow, continuous processes.
Synonyms
- Evolutionary leap
- Sudden evolution
- Saltatory evolution
