episodic evolution The fossil record is characterized by extinction events and succeeding phases of rapid evolutionary innovation. The overall picture is thus one of episodic evolution. However, the term has recently acquired other connotations, and tends to be linked with punctuated equilibrium.

episodic evolution An overall picture of evolution, reflected in the fossil record, that is characterized by extinction events and succeeding phases of rapid evolutionary innovation (i.e. evolution is episodic). However, the term has recently acquired other connotations, and tends to be linked with punctuated equilibrium.

episodic evolution The fossil record is characterized by extinction events and succeeding phases of rapid evolutionary innovation. The overall picture is thus one of episodic evolution. However, the term has recently acquired other connotations, and tends to be linked with punctuated equilibrium.

episodic evolution The overall picture of evolution that arises from the fact that the fossil record is characterized by extinction events and succeeding phases of rapid evolutionary innovation. The term has recently acquired other connotations, and tends to be linked with punctuated equilibrium.