bradytelic evolution

views updated

bradytelic evolution One of three types of evolutionary rates within groups. In this instance the rate is exceedingly slow, and is manifest by slowly evolving lineages which survive much longer than would normally be expected. Living fossils, e.g. the coelacanth, represent the slow end of the bradytelic range; while the better-known groups that have remained relatively stable with time include opossums and crocodiles.