punctuated equilibrium Flashcards
1
Q
What is punctuated equilibrium?
A
A pattern of evolution with long periods of little or no change followed by short periods of rapid change.
2
Q
Who developed the theory of punctuated equilibrium?
A
Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould in 1972.
3
Q
What is gradualism?
A
Darwin’s idea that species evolve slowly and continuously over time through the accumulation of small genetic changes.
4
Q
What is the key difference between Lamarckism and Darwinism?
A
Lamarckism says individuals change during life and pass on traits by choice; Darwinism says only populations change over generations via natural selection.
