Figure 22.7
-Two models for the speed of speciation are based on patterns in the fossil record.Which of the following statements describes the gradual model of evolution?
A)Species steadily diverge from one another.
B)New species change suddenly.
C)Periods of stasis are punctuated by change.
D)There is absence of intermediate fossils.

Question

Figure 22.7
-Two models for the speed of speciation are based on patterns in the fossil record.Which of the following statements describes the gradual model of evolution?
A)Species steadily diverge from one another. 
B)New species change suddenly. 
C)Periods of stasis are punctuated by change. 
D)There is absence of intermediate fossils.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gradual model of evolution describes species steadily diverging from one another. This is in contrast to the punctuated model, which describes periods of stasis (little change) punctuated by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. The absence of intermediate fossils is more relevant to discussions of transitional fossils than to models of the speed of speciation.

Figure 22.7 -Two Models for the Speed of Speciation Are Based on Based