Characteristics of discontinuous equilibrium theory

The traditional theory emphasizes that evolution is a gradual evolution process of species under natural selection, which is in the form of diagonal lines in the time (vertical) character evolution (horizontal) coordinates; Discontinuous equilibrium theory holds that evolution is a combination of mutation and gradual change. It is emphasized that the formation of most species is completed in a short time that can be ignored in geology. This rapid process is called speciation. After species formation, the very slow variation under the action of selection is called strain gradual change.

Traditional evolutionism holds that the amount of evolution (that is, the total evolution of biological species in a period of time) is the sum of gradual changes, and pedigree gradual changes are the mainstream of evolution; Discontinuous equilibrium theory holds that although gradual change can also cause variation and accumulate to form new species, it accounts for a small share of the total variation, and speciation is the mainstream of evolution.

Discontinuous equilibrium theory emphasizes the randomness of variation and the necessity of geographical isolation of species formation. It holds that the raw material for the formation of new species is individual mutation, and mutation is non-directional. As long as it is harmless (neutral) to adaptation, it is possible to break through the barrier of natural selection and form new species. It also emphasizes that most new species are formed by isolated small populations isolated from the geographical edge of the parent species, because mutations generated in this isolated population will not lose their characteristics due to gene exchange, most of them will be eliminated, and a few can still be selected to remain and form new species.