[Big Papa Goat]

They
the only things the fossil record can record is like, phenotypic characteristics, since fossils are pretty much just bones and bones are pretty much just phenotypic. But ya, uh, gigantic catastrophic environmental fluxes on a geological scale aren't the only thing that trigger evolutionary changes. A given ecosystem can be effected in a lot of ways, especially by the distribution of organisms within it. For instance, a bunch of foxes move somewhere and start preying on rabbits that previously didn't have to worry about foxes. SUDDEN SELECTION PRESSURE FOR FAST RABBITS=RABBITS ARE FAST. FAST.

Try to keep in mind that the extinction of the dinosaurs wasn't the only time life ever evolved by punctuated equillibrium.
Also, punctuated equillibrium is an evolutionary term, and it deals with the flux of diversity in living organisms. Environmental factors are indeed a significant factor though, and when big geological events happen, like meteor impacts, big selection pressures happen, and big evolution happens.

Also, what do you mean by changes in phenotypes being 'convinient'? I'm kind of wondering if you understand what I mean by phenotype at this point, but I know you're smarter then me, so I'm sure you'll have a good explanation.

btw, what I understand by the term phenotype is the observable characteristics of an organism, as opposed to the unobservable genotype which contains the genetic information encoded in the DNA, which is transcribed into proteins that result in phenotypic characteristics, and is passed down into subsequent generations.


Also, its worth noting I'm a bit drunk and you're post was a bit confusing I'm not sure now what you meant, but I'm sure it will all get cleared up! :D