ETYM Latin saltatio: cf. French saltation.
The bouncing of rock particles along a river bed. It is the means by which bedload (material that is too heavy to be carried in suspension) is transported downstream. The term is also used to describe the movement of sand particles bounced along by the wind.
In biology, the idea that an abrupt genetic change can occur in an individual, which then gives rise to a new species. The idea has now been largely discredited, although the appearance of polyploid individuals can be considered an example.
1. A leaping or jumping.
2. Beating or palpitation.
3. An abrupt and marked variation in the condition or appearance of a species; a sudden modification which may give rise to new races.
Jumping or leaping; abrupt variation.