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Punctuated Equilibrium
The theory in evolution that states speciation
occurs relatively quickly, in rapid bursts, with
long periods of genetic equilibrium in
between
On the Galapagos Islands, Darwin
observed somewhat similar species,
with traits suited to their particular
environment.
One of the adaptations that Darwin
observed was of differences in the beak
shape of finches (birds).
Based on the adaptations that Darwin
observed on finches and tortoises on the
Galapagos Islands, he wondered if each
had originated from an ancestral species.
Darwin did not base all of his research on
the Galapagos Islands. He observed many
species and their geographical location
during his voyage.
James Hutton’s and Charles Lyell’s work
indicated that the Earth is very old (4.5
billion years old). This suggested that the
Earth was old enough for evolution to
occur.
Twenty years after his findings, Darwin
published his ideas in a book titled On the
Origin of Species. He waited so long
because he was disturbed by his
findings, which challenged
fundamental scientific beliefs.
Darwin Decided to go ahead and publish his
finding because a scientist named
Alfred Wallace sent him an essay which
was very similar to Darwin own ideas.
Darwin’s Book
On the Origin of Species
Published in 1859
Natural selection
Natural selection could not occur with out
inherited variation in species.