A hybrid plant becoming a new species in a generation is an example of:

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The process described, where a hybrid plant becomes a new species in a single generation, is an example of rapid speciation, which is a major component of the punctuated equilibrium model of evolution. In contrast, gradualism (choice A) proposes that evolution occurs through slow, continuous changes over long periods of time. Artificial selection (choice B) is a process where humans selectively breed plants or animals for desired traits, but it does not lead to the formation of new species. Genetic drift (choice C) is a random process that can cause changes in allele frequencies within a population but is unlikely to result in speciation. Stabilizing selection (choice D) is a form of natural selection in which the intermediate phenotypes are favored while extreme phenotypes are selected against, but it does not lead to the formation of new species.

A Hybrid Plant Becoming a New Species in a Generation