evolutionsts believe in either;
a) gradual evolution, or
b) punctuated equilibrium
so much for consensus
This is not a problem for anyone who wants to understand it.
Evolution consists of two major factors: 1) descent with modifications and 2) natural selection.
In every generation of every species there are a small number of genetic mutations = "descent with modifications".
Most genetic mutations have no effect on either the appearance or functioning of their organism because they occur in regions sometimes called "junk DNA".
Those are, however, very useful in helping scientists calculate the most recent common ancestors within a species, or between species.
And once an organism becomes perfectly adapted to its environment, any mutation which causes a change will be a negative change, and natural selection will eliminate that mutation from the gene pool.
But as their environments changes (becoming colder, warmer, wetter, dryer, a new predator, etc.), some mutations will give some members of a species a survival advantage, so those genes will be passed on, and the species can evolve.
That explains how you get "micro-evolution" in every generation, but only "macro-evolution" during periods of major environmental changes.