Evolution
Evolutionary Stasis
Long periods during which a species shows little morphological change despite environmental variation. A key observation of the fossil record challenging gradualist evolution expectations.
Biological Context
Horseshoe crabs have remained virtually unchanged for 450 million years. Coelacanths, crocodilians, and many marine invertebrates show similar stasis. Stasis suggests that once an organism is well-adapted to a broad niche, further change may be disadvantageous.
Business Application
Market stasis: stable industry structures that persist for decades. Understanding what maintains stasis helps predict when disruption is likely and when established players are genuinely protected.