"Lizzie Borden" evolution
Definition: Most paleontologists agree that fossil evidence does not support Darwinıs theory that species evolve over extended periods of time via the accumulation of minute changes. Rather, they suggest that most species remain stable for extended periods, and that change comes in short, quick bursts. Paleontologist Robert Bakker proposes that, when one population in an environment changes, it coexists with its ³parent² population for a period. Rather than the entire species evolving similarly, the modified population gradually extends its range, outcompeting and eventually eliminating its ³parent² population. Bakkerıs theory, not yet proven, is named for the infamous Lizzie Borden of the late 1800s, who was accused of hacking her parents to death with an axe, but acquitted for lack of evidence. Related Words:
