5-2-6 Pace of Evolution

Question 1

The Darwinian view of evolution is that of a very slow process.

Recently, alternative views of faster paced evolution and speciation have been proposed. What are they called?

Answer 1

As a group, alternative views to the Darwinian view are called “Quantum Speciation”, in which genetic drift plays an important role.

Question 2

Punctuated Equilibrium

Answer 2

Another model called “Punctuated Equilibrium” proposes that speciation occurs over a short period of time (over hundreds of thousands of years as opposed to millions of years), followed by a long period of little or no change.

Question 3

Phyletic Gradualism vs. Punctuated Equilibrium

Answer 3

Phyletic gradualism is a slow gradual process involving the evolution of the entire species.

Punctuated Equilibrium involves small isolated populations subject to extreme selection pressure.