Punctuated Equilibrium

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the form of evolution known as punctuated equilibrium. The paper contends that punctuated equilibrium appears to be increasingly proving itself as the most appropriate model for explaining evolution. The paper defines punctuated equilibrium as a theory that still holds to the idea of generational change, but suggests that it happens relatively quickly (geologically speaking). The paper explains that even if one is a creationist and does not believe in macro-level evolution, one must admit that micro-evolution has been proved to exist in a way that can only be explained as punctuated equilibrium.

From the Paper:

"Evolutionists for generations after Darwin imagined a slow and steady process of adaptation, in which daily culling and breeding success very gradually adapted a population from one form into another. Such a process would not be dissimilar to unnatural selection, such as that done with domesticated animals, that gradually worked to change a wolf into a little Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu. However, some have suggested that there might be a more sudden sort of change involved, in which evolution moves suddenly and with great speed. This theorized form of evolution, called punctuated equilibrium, has been widely debated, but seems to be increasingly accepted by scientists. There appears to be evidence for punctuated equilibrium from laboratory experiments, from field and fossil evidence, from theory and even from Darwin's original work."

More papers on Punctuated Equilibrium:

• Comparison Essay # 128121 : "Phyletic Gradualism vs. Punctuated Equilibrium"
• Analytical Essay # 115337 : "Theories of Evolution"
• Essay # 21726 : "Darwin's Natural Selection"

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