10.3 Biology Gradualism vs Punctual Equilibrium

gradualism speciation

speciation due to divergence of isolated populations can be gradual

punctual equilibrium speciation

speciation can occur abruptly

gradualism change in environment

if environment is only changing slowly over time, change would be slow

punctual equilibrium change in environment

if environmental change is drastic and puts intense selective pressure on organisms (drought and finches on daphne major)

gradualism mutation

if mutation only gives slight advantage, change would be slow

punctual equilibrium mutation

if mutation causes a drastic change (polypolidy)