Stephen Jay Gould

Definition

Stephen Jay Gould was an American paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, and historian of science who contributed significantly to the field of evolutionary biology by developing, along with Niles Eldredge, the theory of punctuated equilibrium.

Related terms

Macroevolution:

This term refers to large-scale evolutionary changes that take place over long periods of time. It is these changes that lead to new species and even entirely new groups (like mammals or birds).

Historian Of Science: A person who studies the history of scientific ideas and practices. They look at how science has changed over time and why those changes occurred.

Paleobiology: The study of ancient organisms and their environments based on fossil evidence.