The evolutionary mode in which species evolve rapidly at first and then remain stable for very long periods of time is called ____.
A) catastrophism
B) uniformitarianism
C) disruptive selection
D) punctuated equilibrium
E) phyletic gradualism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Punctuated equilibrium is the evolutionary theory that proposes species evolve rapidly during short periods of time, often following environmental changes or speciation events, and then remain relatively unchanged for long periods. This contrasts with the gradual, steady evolution proposed by phyletic gradualism.

The Evolutionary Mode in Which Species Evolve Rapidly at First