Gradualism Punctuated Speciation

Small variations that may not be seen in the fossil record include

• heightened sense of smell in wolves

• larger ears in elephants

• strips on large cats

• thickened coats in penguins

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

The idea that species diverge in bursts of relatively rapid change and then remain stable for relatively long periods is known as

• punctuated equilibrium

• gradual equilibrium

• punctuated evolution

• punctuated speciation

During punctuated equilibrium, species form as they rapidly adapt to open niches, a process known as adaptive

radiation.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Cichlid fish evolution, as seen in Lake Victoria in Africa, is an example of _______________ equilibrium.

• gradual

• punctuated

Gradualism states that small changes accumulate to form major changes.

• True

• False

Gradualism refers to the idea that evolution progresses via slow, steady and gradual change.

• True

• False

Gradual equilibrium is the idea that species diverge in bursts of relatively rapid change and then remain stable for relatively long periods.

• True

• False

Dramatic physiological changes, such as the evolution of wings, allows for a variety of swift evolution as the species adapts to fill a variety of niches.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-3

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

In both models of evolution, species still require several thousand generations to form.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Mass extinctions can open many ecological niches, allowing quick evolution by adaptive radiation.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5