Since most of the life of a species, on the punctuationist view, is spent in unchanging stasis, and since a species has a discrete beginning and end, it follows that, to a punctuationist, a species can be said to have a definite, measurable ‘life span’.

The boy glimmered Among the hollowed darkness of the rocks, Shot through the shallow places laughing, Stood in the sunlight, high up, And like a god suspended in green air He followed falling water and downstruck.

True, worthy Banquo; he is full so valiant, And in his commendations I am fed; / It is a banquet to me.

But it didn't all bubble up and become clear until that last . . . week or so.