Gradualism

Definition

Gradualism is a theory in biology that suggests evolution occurs slowly and steadily over a long period of time, with small genetic changes accumulating to bring about large changes.

Related terms

Microevolution:

This refers to small evolutionary changes that occur over short periods of time, often within a single population or species.

Speciation:

This is the process by which new and distinct species evolve from existing ones.

Phyletic Gradualism: This is a model of evolution which theorizes that most speciation is slow, uniform and gradual.