DOL: Fossil Record and Rates of Change

Which term describes slow, continuous evolutionary change over long periods?

• Stasis

• Gradualism

• Abrupt appearance

• Extinction

What does abrupt appearance in the fossil record suggest?

• Species evolve at a steady rate over time

• New species appear suddenly with little or no transitional fossils

• A species remains unchanged for millions of years

• All fossils are found in the same rock layer

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

How does stasis impact the fossil record?

• It shows that species remain relatively unchanged for long periods

• It proves that evolution happens at the same speed for all species

• It suggests that fossils appear in random order

• It means all species evolve gradually over time

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which pattern of evolution is supported by many transitional fossils showing small changes over time?

• Stasis

• Abrupt appearance

• Gradualism

• Punctuated equilibrium

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Why is studying the fossil record important for understanding evolution?

• It helps scientists identify patterns of change in species over time

• It proves that all species evolve at the same rate

• It shows that fossils only form under perfect conditions

• It has no impact on understanding evolution

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2