Final answer:
The term 'paradigm shift' in reference to the development of evolutionary theory captures the profound transformation in biological sciences from a belief in fixed and unchangeable species to the understanding of species as dynamic entities that evolve over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of evolutionary theory is often described as a major paradigm shift in the field of biology. This shift occurred as the theory moved away from the pre-Darwinian notion of a static and unchanging natural order to one where species evolve over time through mechanisms like natural selection and genetic drift. The modern synthesis, which combined Darwin's and Wallace's theories on natural selection with Mendel's work on inheritance and advances in population genetics, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the evolution of populations and species. It incorporates small-scale changes among individuals as well as large-scale changes observed over paleontological time. While the traditional view of evolution, known as gradualism, suggests a slow and continuous accumulation of changes, some scientists also acknowledge patterns like punctuated equilibrium, which posits that evolution can happen in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stasis.
Regardless of the pattern, the key concept is that evolution involves a change in allele frequencies over time within a population, leading to adaptations and possibly new species. The development and widespread acceptance of evolutionary theory fundamentally transformed the biological sciences. It replaced the fixed notion of species with a dynamic understanding of biological diversity, informed by fossil evidence, comparative anatomy, and genetics, and this transformed understanding is what constitutes the paradigm shift associated with evolutionary theory.