Even though punctuated equilibrium and gradualism both display that evolution takes place and that there is change over time the two are very different. Punctuated equilibrium show that rapid change occurs do to selective pressure in environments. It states that the rapid change is caused by the need to evolve to survive. In punctuated equilibrium a new species is created much faster than in gradualism. In theory punctuated equilibrium would have a greater affect on small populations and would often occur do to isolation. Gradualism is the gradual change over large periods of time. Gradualism is a more realistic theory however they lack in intermediate fossils therefor they cannot prove which theory is correct.