Susan Brassfield wrote:
>>> 3.It postulates that speciation is (usually) due to the gradual
>>> accumulation of small genetic changes. This is equivalent to
>>> saying that macroevolution is simply a lot of microevolution.
>please take note of the word in parentheses--"speciation is (usually) due
>to the gradual accumulation of small genetic changes." In other words,
>sometimes evolution is not gradual at all, as you correctly point out.
Macroevolution that is "simply a lot of microevolution" is not macroevolution
at all. Gradual evolution can be rapid through a steady succession of
mutations,
but that is not macroevolution. Macroevolutionary events are saltations, real
leaps in a single generation. Your loyalty to Darwinian gradualism makes you
a fine ally for Stephen!
--Cliff Lundberg ~ San Francisco ~ 415-648-0208 ~ cliff@cab.com
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