Gould, a Harvard University professor, joined the faculty in 1967 as a professor of geology. He advanced to associate professor in 1971 and to professor in 1973.
Gould was neither a biologist nor a microbiologist, so just what are his qualifications so as to be considered a an expert in biology. Appears to me his only qualification was that other even less qualified people liked his conclusions irregardless of the fact that he never presented any evidence. At best he was a philosopher of biology, and a poor one at that.
Before denigrating someone else's qualifications, you might wish to try looking up "irregardless."
There is no such word in the English language.