gradualism vs. punctuated equilibrium

gradualism

[ graj-oo-uh-liz-uhm ]show ipa

noun

1. the principle or policy of achieving some goal by gradual steps rather than by drastic change.
2. a theory maintaining that two seemingly conflicting notions are not radically opposed, but are related by others partaking in varying degrees of the character of both.
3. a tenet in evolutionary theory maintaining that species evolve slowly and continuously over long periods of geological time.

punctuated equilibrium

noun

1. a hypothesis holding that the evolution of species proceeds in a characteristic pattern of relative stability for long periods of time interspersed with much shorter periods during which many species become extinct and new species emerge.