Evolution Theories: Gradualism, Punctuated Equilibrium & Stasis

The idea that evolution seems to occur in spurts of time.

• stabilizing selection
• gradualism

• disruptive selection
• puntuated equilibrium

Tags

112.34.c.7.B

The idea that evolution happens with the accumulation of gradual changes in the population over time.

• stabilizing selection
• gradualism

• disruptive selection
• puntuated equilibrium

Tags

112.34.c.7.B

Species show very little evolutionary change in the fossil record

• Stasis

• Natural Selection

• Artificial Selection

• Darwinsim

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of the following is an example of gradualism?

• Sudden appearance of new species.

• Slow changes in the body size of horses.

• Instant extinction of a species.

• Rapid development of new traits.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

What does speciation mean?

• The extinction of a species.

• The formation of new species.

• The merging of two species.

• The migration of species.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which change in wolves is an example of gradualism?

• Sudden change in fur color.

• Development of larger ears and longer teeth over time.

• Instant change in diet.

• Abrupt loss of sense of smell.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

What does punctuated equilibrium suggest about evolution?

• It is a slow and steady process.

• It involves rapid changes followed by long periods of stability.

• It only occurs in plants.

• It is driven by human intervention.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Which of the following is an example of an abrupt change in the fossil record?

• Gradual change in finch beak size.

• Sudden transitions in trilobites.

• Slow adaptation to new environments.

• Incremental growth in animal size.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What often causes abrupt changes in the fossil record?

• Gradual adaptation.

• Environmental changes.

• Genetic mutations.

• Human activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What do transitional fossils show?

• No change over time.

• Evidence of gradual change in organisms.

• Sudden appearance of new species.

• Fossils identical to modern species.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2