Speciation Handout
#1. Complete “Check Your Progress”
pg. 561 #1-2
#2. Compare and contrast phyletic gradualism and punctuated equilibrium (on second page)
#3. Answer the following questions:
a) How do proponents of punctuated equilibrium explain the scarcity of transitional forms (missing
link) in the fossil record?
b) How does their explanation different from that offered by proponents of gradualism?
Answers
#3.
a) Proponents of punctuated equilibrium argue that transitional forms between species are
missing because evolution occurs so rapidly in a very short period of time
b) Gradualist believe that transitional forms of organism or missing links between species are
missing from the fossil record because they are rare
#2. Compare and contrast phyletic gradualism and punctuated equilibrium (table on second page)
**Make sure to highlight important points of differences and similarities, give examples, and
draw a picture of each.
Punctuated Equilibrium
Pictures/Drawings:
Phyletic Gradualism