What is the name of the theory which describes evolution as patterns of rapid first appearances or extinctions followed by periods of little or no change?
(A) Gradualism
(B) Convergence
(C) Adaptive radiation
(D) Punctuated equilibrium - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 1 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 1
What is the name of the theory which describes evolution as patterns of rapid first appearances or extinctions followed by periods of little or no change?
(A) Gradu... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is the name of the theory which describes evolution as patterns of rapid first appearances or extinctions followed by periods of little or no change?
(A) Gradualism
(B) Convergence
(C) Adaptive radiation
(D) Punctuated equilibrium - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 1 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the theory
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The theory that describes evolution in patterns of rapid first appearances or extinctions, followed by long periods of stability, is known as Punctuated Equilibrium. This theory was proposed by paleontologists Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould.
Step 2
Select the correct option
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
From the given options, the correct answer is (D) Punctuated equilibrium.
