"A population is said to be in an evolutionarily stable state if its genetic composition is restored by selection after a disturbance, provided the disturbance is not too large. Such a population can be genetically monomorphic or polymorphic." --Maynard Smith (1982).
Contrast this with the definition of an evolutionarily stable strategy, which is a game theory concept.
"An ESS or evolutionarily stable strategy is a strategy such that, if all the members of a population adopt it, no mutant strategy can invade." --Maynard Smith (1982).
Read more about Evolutionarily Stable State: Mathematical Formulation, Properties
Famous quotes containing the words stable and/or state:
“If, then, this civilization is to be saved, if it is not to be submerged by centuries of barbarism, but to secure the treasures of its inheritance on new and more stable foundations, there is indeed need for those now living fully to realize how far the decay has already progressed.”
—Johan Huizinga (1872–1945)
“You mean they could still be living in a primitive state of neurotic irresponsibility?”
—Terry Southern (b. 1924)