Defender's Guide to Science and Creationism

Assertion: Punctuated equilibrium requires macromutations.

Mark I. Vuletic

Last updated 21 March 2008

Analysis

This is simply false. Punctuated equilibrium does not require macromutations (or "saltations"). It requires only that evolution proceed rapidly on the geological timescale (that is, over many millions of years), with long intermittent periods of stasis. This is entirely consistent with ordinary rates and mechanisms of speciation, since a single rate can be both "rapid" on the geological timescale and "gradual" on the biological timescale.

All Disqus comments will be moderated. Please use common sense. If you are not sure what counts as common sense, do a search for "comment etiquette."