Phyletic gradualism vs. punctuated equilibrium; applicability of neontological data

摘要: An equation for the distribution of divergence times between closest relatives is derived to explore possibility that contemporary data might shed some light on controversy sup- porters gradual versus punctuated phyletic change. The principal assumptions model are uniform rates speciation and extinction, bifurcating speciation, patterns divergence, by whatever measure, among species in a taxon. structure indicates clear differences generated extremes gradualism punctuation. But inability verify critical considerably weakens applicability gradualism-punctuation problem.