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Fossil evidence shows that a species of marine snail remained unchanged for millions of years, then rapidly developed new shell patterns within a short geological period. Which model of evolution does this support?

• Gradualism

• Artificial selection

• Punctuated equilibrium

• Genetic drift

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which of the following statements best describes gradualism?

• A species evolves quickly due to environmental pressure

• Evolution happens slowly through a steady accumulation of small changes

• New traits appear suddenly in a species with no transitional forms

• Evolution only occurs after extinction events

Scientists discover a fossil record showing many transitional forms for a horse species over a long period of time. Which model of evolution is this most consistent with?

• Punctuated equilibrium

• Convergent evolution

• Gradualism

• Selective breeding

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

In punctuated equilibrium, which of the following is most likely to occur?

• Species gradually adapt over time with few environmental changes

• Organisms develop new traits through artificial selection

• Rapid evolutionary change occurs after long periods of stability

• Species remain unchanged forever

A student is studying two different models of evolution. One shows a slow, steady rate of change, while the other shows sudden bursts of change followed by long periods of no change. Which two models is the student comparing?

• Mutation and adaptation

• Divergent and convergent evolution

• Gradualism and punctuated equilibrium

• Genetic drift and natural selection