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Biology - Punctuated equilibrium

Punctuated equilibrium

Molluscs such as this squid photographed in the Caribbean Sea of Central
America, evolve by punctuated evolution.

Punctuated equilibrium is when sudden reproductive isolation of a species
is followed by rapid changes which occur over a relatively short span of
time, for example, 5-50 thousand years. This is followed by a long period
of little change in the species (stasis) until there is another 'burst' in
response to some significant environmental change. Molluscs show this kind
of evolution. [1]

* Gaps in the fossil record could be accounted for by rapid changes
occurring over a relatively short period

* Scientists have debated which model is more appropriate; some suggest
that both have operated in different circumstances

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[1] http://alison.com/#