Evolution, Part Two

[rowyn]

I found an article on the theory of punctuated equilibrium, which it turns out I massively mangled in my previous post on evolution. Or, rather, didn't address at all. What I described as "leap from one species to brand-new species in a single generation" is known as "macromutationism," and has little, if any, following. "Punctuated equilibrium" theorizes that new species evolve from previous species 'quickly' only in the geological sense. "Quick" in this case means mere millenia, five to ten thousand years. Darwin's original theory offered "gradualism", or change in species over millions of years.

Puntuctuated equilibrium fits the facts of the fossil record pretty well, and isn't as unbelieveable as macromutationism. Haven't read enough on it to say whether it's provable or disprovable based on evidence, but it seems to be the basis for useful research, so I'm happier with it. :)

Comments

[rowyn]

OK, that's it, next time I bring up this subject I'm going to find some REAL examples to use instead of making them up. :) You get the idea, though.

Re:

[level-head.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry; I was genuinely trying to helpful.

I certainly was not making fun of you! In fact, I'm treating as a serious question something that you're not quite intending to be serious, perhaps? ];)

I'm going to go look at the thread and see if I can figure out where I've gone wrong.

===|==============/ Level Head

[rowyn]

Oh, don't worry about it. You have been quite helpful. :) My trouble is that by not having an actual example of what I'm trying to refer to at hand, I tend to distract from my main point rather than add to it. So you end up commenting on the flaws in my examples, as well as on whatever my focus is. Er. If that made sense. :)

Anyway, I'm reasonably satisfied with my understanding of the theory now. In part, my reference to "getting some real examples" is based on the feeling that only more solid data will mke me feel more comfortable with the material. Your example of wheat and etter grass, for instance, was a very useful illustration..