What characterizes the theory of punctuated equilibrium?

The theory of punctuated equilibrium is characterized by rapid bursts of speciation followed by long periods of stability or stasis in species. This model, proposed by paleontologists Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould, suggests that evolution does not occur at a constant rate but rather in significant changes that are relatively sudden, separated by lengthy intervals of little or no evolutionary change.

This contrasts with the idea of gradualism, where evolution is perceived as a slow, continuous process involving small incremental changes over time, which is suggested in other options. Transitional forms, while they may be present, are not a fundamental characteristic of punctuated equilibrium. Instead, this theory emphasizes that the fossil record often shows sudden appearances of new species rather than a smooth, gradual transition. The mention of gene flow pertains to how populations can exchange genetic material, which is more aligned with the dynamics of population genetics rather than the punctuated nature of evolutionary change described by punctuated equilibrium.