What does the term "punctuated equilibrium" challenge in evolutionary theory?

Punctuated equilibrium is a theory in evolutionary biology that suggests that species remain relatively stable for long periods of time, interrupted by brief episodes of rapid change during which new species arise. This challenges the traditional view of gradualism, which holds that evolutionary change occurs slowly and steadily over long periods.

In the context of the fossil record, punctuated equilibrium posits that instead of revealing a continuous sequence of small, incremental changes, the fossil record may display long periods of stasis, where species do not change much at all, followed by sudden changes that correspond to the emergence of new species. This contrasts with gradualism, which would expect to see a more consistent and gradual transition of species across the geological timescale, with numerous intermediate forms existing.

The other options, while relevant to evolutionary theory, do not specifically relate to the challenge posed by punctuated equilibrium. For instance, species extinction and the uniformity of species touch on different aspects of evolution and biodiversity, while random mutations refer to the mechanisms of evolution rather than the pattern of change over time in the fossil record. Therefore, the central challenge posed by punctuated equilibrium is specifically to the concept of gradualism in the fossil record.