Harry Marks wrote:. . . let me say that I have no reason to believe that "punctuated equilibrium" has been discredited. Although there seem to have been points on which Gould has been shown to have claimed too much for it, the basic idea of stasis and the math behind the challenge by Mayr, Gould and Eldredge to a gradualistic idea of genetic change and speciation seem to be pretty solid. I think it would be great if more light got shed on that question, as it is pretty interesting to my mind.

I agree with you. I don't think punctuated equilibrium has been discredited so much as becoming not as significant as it once was portrayed. Evolution sometimes occurs slowly and gradually and sometimes happens relatively quickly. And this concept is simply not controversial (except to Creationists). Many of the abrupt transitions in the fossil record have been shown to be caused by migratory events. But I'm looking forward to reading Dennett's take on it.

Here's a great description of punctuated equilibrium.

http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrar ... ctuated_01

The forum is up and ready for use. The discussion months are March, April and May, but there is no reason why we cannot start early.

geo wrote: Here's a great description of punctuated equilibrium.
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrar ... ctuated_01

The diagrams make a great presentation of the forces involved in the punctuated equilibrium mechanism. Good background for those interested in Ch. 10. Thanks.

Thanks Harry Marks for the introduction to this site. It likely would have provided some additional support for me as I struggled through the final chapters of Dennett's book. I expect to visit the site regularly as I now work my way through a book I should have read years ago - Dawkins "The Blind Watchmaker".