Hi all
I think there is a lot of confusion about what constitutes evolution. The term evolution itself implies long time scales. Natural selection can occur on relatively short time scales, but natural selection is but one mechanism of evolution. Many other factors are involved, including geographic isolation and genetic drift. 

Here is an example of time scales and terms:

Biochemistry = Molecules, Cells = Seconds to Hours
Physiology = Tissues, Individuals = Hours to Weeks
Ecology = Populations, Communities = Years to Centuries
Evolution = Communities, Ecosystems = Centuries to Millenia

Of course, there are no hard fast boundaries between these, one leads to and blends with another. Small changes lead to great changes. But phenomena like speciation and extinction do not occur overnight. 

PLB

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