Evolution and the Geological Timescale

Which theory suggests that evolution happens slowly over long periods of time with small changes accumulating?

• Punctuated Equilibrium
• Natural Selection
• Mutationism
• Gradualism

• What does punctuated equilibrium suggest about the process of evolution?

• It involves rapid changes following long periods of stability.

• Punctuated equilibrium applies only to vertebrates.

• It suggests that evolution is solely driven by environmental factors.

• Evolution is a linear process with no sudden changes.

How might a sudden environmental change affect a population of animals?

• It would only impact species that are new to the environment.

• Only animals with traits suited to the new environment would survive.

• It would affect all species equally.

• It would lead to the extinction of all animals in the area.

What is one major effect of a mass extinction on future species?

• • It decreases the chances of new species emerging.

• • It eliminates the need for natural selection.

• • It opens up new ecological niches for surviving species.

• • It causes species to evolve more slowly.

Which of the following best describes the geologic time scale?

• • A timeline of Earth’s history showing how life evolved over time

• • A way to measure the rate of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

• • A record of the amount of time it takes for species to evolve

• • A scale that determines how well species can adapt to changes

What type of organisms appeared on Earth first according to the fossil record?

• Fungi
• Prokaryotes (bacteria)
• Eukaryotes (plants)
• Multicellular organisms

Which event is most likely to lead to the creation of new species?

• • An environmental change without natural selection

• • A mass extinction that clears out ecological niches

• • Gradual changes without competition

• • Sudden natural selection with no environmental changes

Which process explains how traits that help survival are more likely to be passed on to future generations?

• • Punctuated equilibrium

• • Gradualism

• • Natural selection

• • Mass extinction