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Is a new evolutionary synthesis necessary?
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 28, 1981
Summary
Macroevolutionary processes like speciation are debated as gradual or punctuated. Microevolutionary principles are compatible with both, decoupling macroevolutionary patterns from microevolutionary predictions.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- The synthetic theory of evolution posits gradual macroevolutionary processes.
- Debate exists on whether macroevolution is gradual or punctuated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between microevolutionary phenomena and macroevolutionary patterns.
- To determine if macroevolutionary patterns can be deduced from microevolutionary principles.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of evolutionary principles.
- Examination of the compatibility of microevolution with gradualism and punctualism.
Main Results:
- Microevolutionary phenomena underlie macroevolutionary processes.
- Microevolutionary principles are compatible with both gradualism and punctualism.
- Macroevolutionary patterns cannot be deduced from microevolutionary principles.
Conclusions:
- Microevolution and macroevolution are decoupled.
- The synthetic theory of evolution is compatible with microevolutionary principles.
- Further research is needed to ascertain the tempo of macroevolution.
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