Gradualism is a concept in various fields, including biology and geology, that suggests changes occur slowly and steadily over time. In biology, it refers to the idea that species evolve through small, incremental changes rather than sudden transformations. This theory contrasts with ideas like punctuated equilibrium, which propose that evolution happens in rapid bursts. In geology, gradualism describes the slow processes that shape the Earth's landscape, such as erosion and sedimentation. These processes accumulate over long periods, leading to significant changes in the environment. This perspective emphasizes the importance of time in understanding both biological and geological transformations.