The fossils of a new species of reptile are found in deposits dating to the Permian period. Later, scientists discover that fossils of the reptile species changed somewhat over time and can be found in deposits dating from the Permian period all the way up to the Cretaceous period. The scientists' observations most strongly support which evolutionary model(s)?
A) allopatric speciation
B) punctuated evolution
C) adaptive radiation
D) both allopatric speciation and adaptive radiation
E) gradualistic evolution

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observation that fossils of the reptile species changed somewhat over time and can be found in deposits from the Permian period up to the Cretaceous period supports the model of gradualistic evolution. This model posits that species evolve through small, incremental changes over long periods.

The Fossils of a New Species of Reptile Are Found