MACROEVOLUTION AND THE FOSSIL RECORD.

摘要: The past few years have been marked by enlivened controversy about the tempo of evolution, legitimacy concept macroevolution, and history these related questions. At core debate is what has become known as punctuational evolution. I suggested that model be defined assertion most evolution associated with speciation way localized populations (Stanley, 1979 p. 16). traditional, gradualistic represents alternative position, occurs within established species. fossil record, in failing to document important gradual evolutionary transitions, long recognized a appearance. Darwin (1859) claimed record itself at fault here, rather than scheme he proposed, Darwin's view prevailed for more century. A decade ago, attracted attention through advocacy Eldredge (1971) Gould (1972), who favored it being compatible biological concepts speciation. Certainly not many (and would argue most) traditional Dobzhansky (1972) referred slow divergence new species from their ancestors "usual now orthodox view," earlier Huxley (1942 389) wrote: "Species formation constitutes one aspect evolution; but large fraction sense an accident, luxury, without bearing on major continuing trends process. " In fact, Mayr (1954, 1963, 1970) since mid-century argued forcefully importance rapidly divergent events. (1954) sudden appearances novelties resulted rapid transitions local areas. Rapid transformation entire after periods stasis speciation, this paper will also examine alternative, which some might include model. My interest question was stimulated statements workers record's testimony equivocal. Believing analysis data could indeed resolve issue, proposed formal tests, whose outcomes 1975). general fully developed later contribution 1979), relates great longevity record. This test labeled adaptive radiation because its conclusion during typical radiation, occurred geological intervals brief relative over produced survived almost change. Established are evolving so slowly between genera higher taxa must occurring small, leave no legible present describe evidence strengthens verdict favor