Phyletic Gradualism vs. Punctuated Equilibrium

Phyletic Gradualism vs. Punctuated Equilibrium

Introduction

Charles Darwin was of the belief that the evolution is a gradual process of steady changes in which the life transforms from one form to another. He is seen as the father of evolution theory and his concept of evolution is known as Phyletic Gradualism. The concept of Phyletic Gradualism puts forth the notion that there are no sudden bursts witnessed in the behavior of living organisms but the process of evolution comprises of small behavioral changes that can alter the physiology of the living organisms. Furthermore, the theory proposes that these small changes, on accumulation, can form a new species. This concept of evolution would be a role model for all the biologists to base their theories on until the mid of the 20th century, when Eldredge and Gould propose the ideology of Punctuated Equilibrium in 1972 (Lemmon, n.d.).

Discussion

The theory of Punctuated Equilibrium proposes that the process of evolution is a result of sudden changes in the physiology of the organism. These changes, according to the theory, are rapid in nature. According to the theorists, the process of evolution does not follow a stepwise process as the life witnesses sudden changes that are followed by periods of stasis that lasts for hundreds of years. The theory emphasize upon the notion that most of the large population would undergo minor adaptive changes in behavior, whereas smaller population at different locations would undergo rapid physiological changes. This makes it difficult for the fossils to be found at one place. Because of the rapid changes in smaller portion of the population, the preservation of fossils is impossible. These instances, according to the theorists, would take place in isolated locations, which makes it difficult to collect evidence about the transitional forms of life (Gould, 2007).

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