History of Life. Gradualism VS Punctuated Equilibrium

Gradualism

A model of evolution in which gradual change over a long period of time leads to biological diversity. is selection and variation that happens more gradually. Over a short period of time it is hard to notice.

Saltations

a sudden change from one generation to the next, that is large, or very large, in comparison with the usual variation of an organism.

Mutations

are random changes in the DNA that are not inherited from the previous generation, but are passed on to generations that follow.

Gradualism and punctuated equilibrium

are two ways in which the evolution of a species can occur. A species can evolve by only one of these, or by both. Scientists think that species with a shorter evolution evolved mostly by punctuated equilibrium, and those with a longer evolution evolved mostly by gradualism.

Punctuated equilibrium

is a theory in evolutionary biology which proposes that most sexually reproducing species will experience change in spurts. There is a period of very little change, and then one or a few huge changes occur, often through mutations in the genes of a few individuals.

Cladogenesis

is the process by which species split into two distinct species, rather than one species gradually transforming into another.

Stasis

Condition in which there is no change