Gradualism is a hypothesis, a theory or a tenet assuming that change comes about gradually or that variation is gradual in nature. A hypothesis, a theory or a tenet assuming that change comes about gradually or that variation is gradual in nature.
Gradualism, from Latin gradus (“step”), is a hypothesis, a theory or a tenet assuming that change comes about gradually or that variation is gradual in nature. Similar concepts are: uniformitarianism, incrementalism and reformism. In the natural sciences, gradualism is the theory which holds that profound change is the cumulative product of slow but continuous processes, often contrasted with catastrophism. gradualism. n. 1. the policy of seeking to change something or achieve a goal gradually rather than quickly or violently, esp in politics. 2. (Geological Science) the theory that explains major changes in rock strata, fossils, etc in terms of gradual evolutionary processes rather than sudden violent catastrophes.  LINK / CITE ADD TO WORD LIST. noun. The definition of gradualism is the slow and gradual changes that happen within an organism or society to make a better environmental fit for animals and humans. An example of gradualism is the stripes of a tiger developing over time so they are better able to hide in tall grass.  Gradualism and punctuated equilibrium are two ways in which the evolution of a species can occur. A species can evolve by only one of these, or by both. Scientists think that species with a shorter evolution evolved mostly by punctuated equilibrium, and those with a longer evolution evolved mostly by gradualism. For Gradualism, changes in species is slow and gradual, occurring in small periodic changes in the gene pool, whereas for Punctuated Equilibrium, evolution occurs in spurts of relatively rapid change with long periods of non-change [1]. To date, what is clear is that both evolutionary patterns – phyletic gradualism and punctuated equilibrium have played at least some role in the evolution of life. Gradualism and punctuated equilibrium are two ways in which the evolution of a species can occur. Definition of GRADUALISM. 1. : the policy of approaching a desired end by gradual stages. 2. : the evolution of new species by gradual accumulation of small genetic changes over long periods of time; also: a theory or model of evolution emphasizing this — compare punctuated equilibrium. — grad·u·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective. — grad·u·al·is·tic \ˌgra-jə(-wə)-ˈlis-tik\ adjective Gradualism is selection and variation that happens more gradually. Over a short period of time it is hard to notice. Small variations that fit an organism slightly better to its environment are selected for: a few more individuals with more of the helpful trait survive, and a few more with less of the helpful trait die. Change is slow, constant, and consistent. This definition of gradualism is the result of an earlier definition: gradualism is the principle proposed by Scottish geologist James Hutton in the late 1700s that landforms resulted from slow changes over long periods of time. Both theories describe the rates of speciation. For Gradualism, changes in species is slow and gradual, occurring in small periodic changes in the gene pool, whereas for Punctuated Equilibrium, evolution occurs in spurts of relatively rapid change with long periods of non-change. To date, what is clear is that both evolutionary patterns – phyletic gradualism and punctuated equilibrium have played at least some role in the evolution of life. Gradualism and punctuated equilibrium are two ways in which the evolution of a species can occur.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gradualism http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gradualism http://www.yourdictionary.com/gradualism http://www.necsi.edu/projects/evolution/evolution/grad+punct/evolution_grad+punct.html http://www.sersc.org/journals/IJBSBT/vol3_no4/3.pdf http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradualism http://www.answers.com/Q/What_is_gradualism http://www.sersc.org/journals/IJBSBT/vol3_no4/3.pdf
what is gradualism