The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection (HSC SSCE Biology): Flashcards

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Gradualism vs Punctuated Equilibrium
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Gradualism definition

Slow, continuous evolutionary change over time

Punctuated equilibrium definition

Rapid bursts of change, then long stable periods (stasis)

Scientist who proposed gradualism

Charles Darwin

Scientists who developed punctuated equilibrium (1970s)

Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldridge

Fossil evidence for gradualism

Trilobites (slow, continuous change)

Fossil evidence for punctuated equilibrium

Horseshoe crabs (unchanged for 445 million years)

Expected in gradualism fossil record

Intermediate or transitional forms

Stasis in punctuated equilibrium

Long periods with populations stable, little change

Do both models challenge natural selection?

No, both accept natural selection as the mechanism

Macroevolution meaning

Large-scale evolutionary changes

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