evolutiestapeling

Evolutiestapeling is a theoretical concept in evolutionary biology that describes the progressive accumulation of small, heritable changes within a lineage, leading to the emergence of complex traits through stepwise assembly. The term blends roots that evoke evolution (evolutie) and stacking or piling (stapeling), reflecting the idea of successive layers of modification.

Proponents describe evolution as a stack of advantageous or nearly neutral changes that build upon prior steps. Each incremental change must be compatible with existing structures, though genetic interactions can modify outcomes. Over many generations, the accumulation yields new functions without requiring large, coordinated mutations. The concept emphasizes modularity and the reuse of existing genetic and developmental architectures.

Critics argue that the framework can oversimplify genetic constraints and developmental pathways, and that real-world patterns may involve stasis punctuated by rapid shifts. It is often used as a heuristic alongside other models to illustrate how complex adaptations might arise through cumulative improvements, while acknowledging that epistasis, pleiotropy, and developmental constraints can influence the trajectory of evolution.

In practice, evolutiestapeling appears in theoretical discussions, education, and speculative literature as a way to conceptualize how complexity can emerge from gradual buildup. It remains one of several explanations for the pace and mode of evolutionary change and is typically considered alongside gradualism, punctuated equilibrium, exaptation, and modularity in evolution.

See also: gradualism, punctuated equilibrium, exaptation, modularity, constructive neutral evolution.