Shifting balance theory Shifting balance theory The shifting balance theory is a theory of evolution proposed in 1932 by Sewall Wright, suggesting that adaptive evolution may proceed most quickly when a population divides into subpopulations with restricted gene flow. The name of the theory is borrowed from Wright's metaphor of fitness landscapes (evolutionary landscapes), attempting to explain how a population may move across an adaptive valley to a higher adaptive peak. According to the theory, this movement occurs in three steps: Although shifting balance theory has been influential in evolutionary biology, inspiring the theories of quantum evolution and punctuated equilibrium, little empirical evidence
Evolutionary Theory (journal) Van Valen, Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Chicago -Melissa Stoller, Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Chicago Managing Editors: -Virginia C. Maiorana, Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Chicago In addition to the founding and creating of the journal, Van Valen also served as its editor up until its final publication in 2003. The editorial board consisted of several notable individuals as well as several major institutions from all over the world, the number of individuals/ institutions listed varied from as much as 66 to 78 members over the course of the journal. "Evolutionary Theory" stressed