[Nebullis]

And I do qualify my statement in post 179 by saying "if this analysis is correct".

Of course. But, Shapiro is talking about specific kinds of mutations, that of directed insertions of transposable elements. Genome restructuring by elements intrinsic to the organism is, then, an explanation for punctuation or major innovation.

[AndrewC]

But, Shapiro is talking about specific kinds of mutations, that of directed insertions of transposable elements.

That is not how I interpret stochastic realm of physical-chemical insults to DNA.