What is the difference between gradual and punctuated evolution

Most commonly, epigenetics and development are referred to in this context Gould, , ; Alberch, ; Maderson et al , ; Rachootin and Thomson, To explain large-scale evolutionary trends the theory of species selection has been put forth. It claims that some major features of the biosphere e.

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Alberch, P. Bonner, ed. Google Scholar. Albers, J. Hamburg 21 — Anderson, S. Bartenstein, H. Bettenstaedt, F. Hamburg 31 — Bock, W. Carnegie Mus. Boucot, A. Brinkmann, R. Bush, G. Carson, H. Cisne, J. PubMed Google Scholar. Connell, J. Cooper, R. Cracraft, J. Cronin, J. Delson, E. Dzik, J. Eldredge, N. Schopf, ed. Kauffman and J. Hazel, eds. Endler, J. Flessa, K. There are a number of species whose evolution seems to have followed this dynamic of punctuated equilibria. But there is still significant debate in the scientific community about the relative importance of punctuated equilibria and gradualism of which there are also some convincing examples.

Are these two dynamics of equal importance, or is one the exception and the other the rule? This question has stimulated a number of studies now in progress. However, the environment can also change due to climate changes or the introduction of new predators. This also can emphasize changes in a particular population that lives within that environment in a short period of time. In conclusion, punctuated equilibrium is the better model in describing the appearing of variations within a population.

Gradualism refers to the hypothesis that evolution proceeds by imperceptibly small, cumulative steps over long periods of time rather than by abrupt, major changes while punctuated equilibrium refers to the hypothesis that evolutionary development is marked by isolated episodes of rapid speciation between long periods of little or no change.

Gradualism brings small variation to a particular species while punctuated equilibrium emphasizes consistent and cumulative changes to a species. Furthermore, gradualism occurs over a long period of time while punctuated equilibrium occurs within a short period of time.

Also, gradualism describes evolution as a slow process while punctuated equilibrium brings short events, which speed up the slow evolution. Fossil records do not prove gradualism while punctuated equilibrium is the better model to describe evolution. Punctuated equilibrium explains the evolution of species in intervals but in a more rapid manner. This is the difference between gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. None of the theories are completely accepted and declared hence extensive research is conducted to confirm the theories.

You can download PDF version of this article and use it for offline purposes as per citation note. Scoville, Heather. Punctuated Equilibrium. Available here. Samanthi Udayangani holds a B. Degree in Plant Science, M. Your email address will not be published. Figure Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium. Figure Gradualism vs Punctuated Equilibrium. Related posts: Difference Between Lamarckism and Darwinism. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Gradualism vs Punctuated Equilibrium.