The theory of punctuated equilibrium is based on the observation that
A) long periods of intense speciation alternate with long brief periods of stasis.
B) new species appear in the fossil record alongside their unchanged ancestors.
C) evolutionary change occurs at a constant pace.
D) change does not occur over time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The theory of punctuated equilibrium suggests that species remain relatively unchanged for long periods (stasis) and that significant evolutionary changes occur relatively quickly, often associated with speciation events, which is why new species appear in the fossil record alongside their unchanged ancestors.

The Theory of Punctuated Equilibrium Is Based on the Observation