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The opposite theory is phyletic gradualism which, in short, states that organisms evolve at a slow steady pace. Most evolutionists favour the punctuated equilibrium as a more accurate explanation. It states that organisms do not evolve necessarily at a steady rate as some organisms like crocodiles have changed fairly little recently but once evolved at a fairly faster rate.

An early form of the theory was proposed in Ernst Mayr's 1954 paper "Change of genetic environment and evolution". But it acquired its current form in a series of papers published in 1972 by Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould.

See the following references:
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punctuated_equilibrium
  • http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evosite/evo101/VIIA1bPunctuated.shtml
  • http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/03/5/l_035_01.html
  • https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Punctuated_equilibrium.html
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Related Questions

What cannot be the result of punctuated equilibrium?

Punctuated equilibrium is a theory in evolution that suggests long periods of stability with sudden bursts of significant change. Therefore, gradual and continuous evolution is not a characteristic outcome of punctuated equilibrium.


What is a model of evolution in which short periods of drastic changes in species are separated by long periods of little or no change?

Punctuated Equilibrium, I believe is the answer.


What is fast and abrupt evolution?

Punctuated equilibrium.


What is the name of the hypothesis that evolution occurs at an irregular rate through geologic time?

That theory is called punctuated equilibrium.


What is the theory that evolution takes place quickly?

The theory of punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution occurs rapidly in short bursts followed by long periods of stability. This contrasts with gradualism, which proposes that evolution happens slowly and steadily over time. Punctuated equilibrium is supported by the fossil record, where evidence of rapid changes in species can be observed.


Pattern of evolution where a species is stable for a long time then rapidly changes?

Punctuated equilibrium is a model of evolution in which species exhibit long periods of stasis, where little change occurs, punctuated by brief periods of rapid change. This theory suggests that most evolutionary change happens over relatively short periods of time during events like speciation.


The theory that evolution occurs during short periods of rapid change is puntuated?

The theory that evolution occurs during short periods of rapid change is punctuated equilibrium. This theory suggests that most species remain relatively unchanged for long periods, with bursts of significant change happening over short periods of time. This contrasts with the gradualism theory, which proposes that evolution occurs at a slow and constant rate.


What is the name of the theory that states species evolve during short periods of rapid change?

It is called Punctuated Equilibrium. Some Evolutionary apologists, notably Richard Dawkins, have down played this aspect of Neo-Darwinistic theory.


What is evolution that occurs in short rapid bursts?

Punctuated equilibrium


A pattern of rapid evolutionary changes followed by long periods of no change is described as?

Punctuated Evolution or equilibrium


What is the relationship of speciation and the theory of punctuated equilibrium?

No difference.


What is a statement describes the punctuated equilibrium theory?

The punctuated equilibrium theory suggests that species tend to evolve in rapid bursts of change followed by long periods of stability. This theory proposes that evolution does not always occur gradually and uniformly, but can involve abrupt shifts in traits due to significant environmental changes or genetic factors.